A gunman and four other men barged into a Sheraden residence early today, killing a tenant and holding two women for a time.

The victim, Charles F. Hall Jr., 29, suffered a mortal gun shot wound of the chest.

Charles F. Hall

Darryl Reese

Pittsburgh police said one of the women recognized at least one of the men, identified as Darryl Reese, 18, of McKees Rocks. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

One of the women told homicide investigators Mr. Reese and another man wearing a ski mask over his face arrived at the residence at 11:50 p.m. yesterday.

The two men got a cigarette from Mr. Hall and left the residence.

Several minutes later, Mr. Reese again knocked and he was let into the home, the witness told police.

This time, he was accompanied by four other men, one armed with a pistol. They forced the woman to lie on the floor while Mr. Hall was accosted by the gunman, police said.

The victim reacted, "Hold up. What's going on here?" the witness told police.

To which the gunman responded, "I'm here because I am a shooter. I shoot people."

Mr. Hall was forced against a wall and shot once in the chest.

The intruders found a second woman asleep in a bedroom. They ordered her to join the first woman and forced the two of them to lie face down on the floor as they left.

Neither woman was harmed, police said.

Mr. Hall had been conscious and alert when paramedics took him to Allegheny General Hospital. He died at 2:21 a.m.

Mr. Hall recently avoided a jail sentence following his arrest last January on 13 counts that included theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy, reckless endangerment, fleeing and eluding police, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

He pleaded guilty Dec. 17 to six of the charges, and Common Pleas Judge John A. Zottola sentenced him to two years of probation.

Investigators did not comment on whether Mr. Hall's court case was related to the home invasion and killing.

Police are seeking public help in finding the known suspect, Mr. Reese.

He is black, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, and weighs 145 pounds. His last known address was on Robinson Street in McKees Rocks.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police homicide squad at 412-323-7161.