Full Breakdown
Edgewood Stabbing: Death of UPMC Pediatric Doctor and Subsequent Sexual Assault Charges
By Drooid · · How we work
The Fatal Attack
Early Thursday morning, Allegheny County police responded to a 12:30 a.m. emergency call at a home on Linden Avenue in Edgewood, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Officers found Dr. Idris Evans, a 46-year-old pediatric critical-care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital, and his wife, Gina Evans, both with multiple stab wounds. Their two children, ages 8 and 12, escaped unharmed after their mother shouted for them to flee. Detectives say 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway entered the residence through an open rear window, was wearing only underwear, and repeatedly stabbed the victims with a kitchen knife. Hemingway sustained hand lacerations and was apprehended by a K-9 unit behind a nearby house.
Additional Wilkinsburg Assault Charge
On September 26, 2026, prosecutors announced that Hemingway also faces rape, sexual assault and robbery charges for an alleged attack on a woman in Wilkinsburg the day before the Edgewood homicide. Detectives recovered the victim’s cell phone and other items linking Hemingway to that incident.
Victim and Suspect Profiles
- Dr. Idris Evans – 46, co-medical director of the Pediatric Transport Team at UPMC Children’s Hospital and assistant professor of critical-care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Elijah Hemingway – 32, resident of the Hazelwood neighborhood, previously released on non-monetary bail for burglary and theft charges from a February incident. He has no recorded prior interactions with Edgewood police.
Official Statements & Responses
- Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph described the scene as “very violent,” noting broken bedroom furniture and mirrors.
- District Attorney Stephen Zappala said the additional Wilkinsburg charges would be filed after the investigation.
- Police Chief Sylvan Altieri cautioned that community members might be confusing Hemingway with another local lawn-care worker.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Neighbor and criminology professor Sandra Trappen recounted the police response in her backyard:
- “I can’t believe that my backyard is filled with police and dogs, and I was just getting ready to go to bed.” — Sandra Trappen
- “They talked to him, tried to get information from him, and then they explained to him that they were calling emergency services.” — Sandra Trappen
- “My heart goes out to the family. A terrible thing happened to their home. When your sense of security is pierced, it’s just a horrible thing to try to get back to center ground.” — Sandra Trappen
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Dr. Idris Evans (deceased) and his wife (critical but stable).
- Children: two boys, ages 8 and 12, unharmed.
- Charges against Hemingway: criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, criminal trespass, plus rape, sexual assault and robbery for the Wilkinsburg incident.
- Evidence: victim’s stolen cell phone and other items recovered at the scene linking Hemingway to the sexual assault.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Hemingway told investigators that Dr. Evans had invited him to the home earlier that day and that Evans attacked him with a “Michael Myers-style” knife, prompting a struggle. Police have found no corroborating evidence of an invitation, no bicycle at the scene, and no stab wound on Hemingway’s back despite his claim. The relationship between Hemingway and the Evans family remains undetermined, and a motive for the attack has not been disclosed.