Woman says she killed robber with his own gun
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Allegheny County district attorney's office will determine whether a 20-year-old woman was justified when she fatally shot a teenager in Munhall early Friday with a gun she says she wrestled away from the male during an armed robbery on the street.
The woman, who suffered lacerations during the altercation that required hospital treatment, was released from custody after detectives interviewed her for several hours, county homicide Lt. Andrew Schurman said.
"We released her without any charges. The district attorney will receive our entire case file and review that. Ultimately, the district attorney makes the determination whether the shooting was justifiable or not," he said.
Killed in the incident about 12:05 a.m. was Dwain Heath Jr., 17, of Munhall.
According to Mr. Schurman, the woman told detectives she had gone to a convenience store within a few blocks of her home and made a purchase. As she was walking in an alley in the rear of the 800 block of Ravine Street, Mr. Heath approached her, brandished a gun and demanded money.
She turned over all she had, which was just change, as well as a personal item, Mr. Schurman said.
The woman then fought with the man, disarmed him and shot him. Then, she called 911 and waited for police to arrive, Mr. Schurman said.
The change and the personal item that the woman told police were taken during the robbery were found on Mr. Heath's body, Mr. Schurman said.
"Based on our initial review of the facts, our office determined that it was not necessary at this time to hold anyone in custody in connection with this shooting," said Mike Manko, district attorney spokesman. "We expect to get reports from Allegheny County Police in the near future and will, at that time, completely review the facts and circumstances before making a final recommendation."
First Published December 11, 2010 12:00 am
