EDGEWOOD, PA – A Pittsburgh-area physician who specialized in pediatric critical care died after he and his wife were stabbed in their Edgewood home early Thursday, according to Allegheny County police. Investigators say 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway is accused of entering the house and attacking the couple while they slept.
First responders found Dr. Idris Evans and his wife in critical condition and rushed both to a hospital. Evans later died. Police say his wife escaped the house, called for help and told investigators she was unsure how Hemingway got inside.
Police say the attack began before 1 a.m. inside the couple’s bedroom
Authorities say the stabbing happened after 12:30 a.m. Thursday at the couple’s home in Edgewood, a borough less than 10 miles from Pittsburgh. Police said the pair were asleep when the attack began, and that both victims were stabbed multiple times.
According to investigators, Evans’ wife later told authorities at the hospital that she woke up to find Hemingway attacking her. She said she remembered her husband addressing the man as “Elijah,” although she did not know him. Police have not publicly said what led to the confrontation.
Wife says the couple fought back before escaping to a neighbor’s house
During her statement to investigators, Evans’ wife said she and her husband tried to defend themselves. She told authorities she managed to get away, call out to her two young children and run to a neighbor’s home after the attack.
Police said the wife survived and was taken to the hospital along with Evans. Her account is a key part of the investigation because she was able to describe waking during the assault and identify the attacker by the name her husband used, even though she said she did not know Hemingway personally.
Suspect was found hiding in a backyard after officers searched the neighborhood
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reported that a neighbor said police found Hemingway hiding in her backyard. Sandra Trappen said officers moved through the yard and searched for about an hour before locating him.
Trappen said the man appeared to be bleeding and incapacitated when officers found him. She also said the heavy police presence was unusual for the normally quiet street, where seeing even one or two officers would be out of the ordinary.
Hemingway told police he was invited, but investigators say he gave no support for that claim
County police say Hemingway was detained and now faces charges including homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass. Investigators also interviewed him after the arrest.
Police said Hemingway claimed Evans had invited him to the home hours earlier and that the couple attacked him. Investigators, however, said he could not provide details to back up that version of events. The criminal complaint does not support his account, police said.
UPMC and police urge safety precautions after the death of Dr. Idris Evans
UPMC said it is deeply saddened by Evans’ death. In a statement, the health system identified him as 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 described Evans as a dedicated caregiver and asked that his family, loved ones and colleagues be given privacy. Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph also used the case to remind residents to lock doors, secure vehicles, avoid leaving valuables visible and stay aware of their surroundings.
Anyone with information is being asked to call the County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
