EDGEWOOD, Pa. - A UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh physician was killed and his wife critically injured early Thursday in an attack inside their Edgewood home, according to Allegheny County Police.
Police identified the man who died as Dr. Idris Evans, 46, a pediatric critical care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Authorities have charged 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway of Pittsburgh with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass in connection with the attack.
The charges are allegations. Hemingway is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Attack reported shortly after 12:30 a.m.
Allegheny County 911 was notified of a stabbing in the 100 block of Linden Avenue at approximately 12:31 a.m. Thursday.
First responders found Evans and his wife suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Both were transported to area hospitals in critical condition.
Evans was later pronounced dead.
His wife remained hospitalized in critical condition Thursday.
Police say couple attacked while sleeping
Allegheny County Police said detectives determined through witness interviews that Hemingway entered the home and attacked Evans and his wife while they were sleeping.
According to a criminal complaint reported by WPXI, Evans’ wife told investigators that she woke to a man attacking the couple inside their bedroom.
Police allege the couple attempted to fight back during the attack.
Investigators have not publicly established a motive.
Court documents indicate Evans appeared to recognize the alleged attacker, although authorities had not publicly detailed the nature of any relationship between Evans and Hemingway as of Thursday evening.
Children escape without injury
Evans and his wife’s two children, ages 8 and 12, were inside the home during the attack.
Both children were able to escape the residence safely and were not physically injured, according to reporting based on the criminal complaint.
The children went to a neighboring home as the attack unfolded.
Suspect found behind nearby home
Police said a K-9 unit from the Monroeville Police Department searched the surrounding area following the attack.
Officers located Hemingway behind a nearby residence.
Authorities said Hemingway had lacerations to his hand when he was found.
He was detained and transported to a hospital for treatment before charges were announced.
Hemingway now faces criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass charges.
UPMC identifies Evans as pediatric critical care physician
UPMC confirmed Evans worked as a pediatric critical care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
He was also an assistant professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
UPMC described Evans as a dedicated caregiver and a valued member of both the hospital and university communities.
Evans also held a leadership role involving pediatric critical care transport.
UPMC materials have identified him as a medical director for the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team.
Hospital community mourns loss
UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh issued a statement Thursday expressing sadness over Evans’ death and extending their thoughts to his family, loved ones and colleagues.
The institutions also asked that the family’s privacy be respected.
Evans’ work centered on the treatment and transport of critically ill children.
University of Pittsburgh records list him as a faculty member in critical care medicine.
Investigation continues
Allegheny County Police homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities have not publicly announced a motive or provided a complete account of how Hemingway allegedly entered the residence.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
The case will proceed through the Allegheny County court system as prosecutors pursue the charges against Hemingway.