A Pittsburgh pediatrician was killed and his wife critically injured after a man allegedly broke into their Edgewood home and stabbed the couple while they were in bed, authorities said.
Dr. Idris Evans, a 46-year-old pediatric critical care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, died after suffering multiple stab wounds during the overnight attack.
His wife also suffered multiple stab wounds and remained in critical condition, according to police.
The couple’s two young children, ages 8 and 12, escaped the house and went to a neighbor’s home after their mother urged them to flee, according to a criminal complaint.
Pittsburgh Pediatrician Killed in Home Invasion
Police officers responded to the couple’s Edgewood home shortly after midnight Thursday following reports of a violent attack.
Officers found Evans and his wife with multiple stab wounds. Both victims were transported to a hospital, where Evans was later pronounced dead.
Allegheny County authorities described the scene as extremely violent, with damage reported throughout the bedroom.
Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph said investigators found broken bedroom furniture and mirrors inside the home.
Police identified the suspect as 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway, who was found hiding behind a nearby home by a police canine unit.
Authorities said Hemingway had bleeding lacerations on his hands and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He faces multiple charges, including homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass, according to police.
As of Friday, authorities said Hemingway had not yet been formally processed on the charges. It was also unclear whether he had obtained legal representation.
According to the criminal complaint, Evans and his wife were awakened after midnight when they discovered a man in their bedroom.
The suspect was allegedly wearing only underwear and was armed with a kitchen knife.
The couple attempted to fight back while Evans’ wife shouted for their children to escape.
Their children, ages 8 and 12, were able to leave the home and reach a neighbor safely.
Police said the suspect later fled through a rear door and hid in a nearby backyard, where officers eventually located him.
Evans’ wife told investigators that the attacker repeatedly made statements referring to God and allegedly claimed to be God.
She also told police that her husband addressed the attacker as “Elijah,” although she said she did not recognize the man.
Authorities are investigating how Evans may have known the suspect’s name and whether the two men had any previous relationship.
Police have not announced a motive for the attack.
According to authorities, the attacker demanded the mother’s car keys during the incident.
She gave him the keys but could not recall how he ultimately left the property.
Police said there was no evidence that Hemingway attempted to take the vehicle.
Investigators believe the suspect entered the home through a back window before attacking the couple.
Dr. Idris Evans Remembered
Evans was a pediatric critical care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and an assistant professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
UPMC said the medical and university communities were deeply saddened by his death and described Evans as a dedicated caregiver and valued member of the hospital and university communities.
The medical center expressed condolences to Evans’ family, friends and colleagues following the fatal attack.
Investigation Into Pittsburgh Home Attack Continues
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and are working to establish whether Evans and Hemingway knew each other.
Court records indicate that Hemingway had previously faced criminal charges in Pennsylvania and Florida dating back to at least 2016, including allegations involving burglary, theft and battery.
However, investigators have not publicly identified a motive for the latest attack.
The case remains under investigation as authorities process the charges against the suspect.
