Elliott Father Gunned Down On Porch With Toddler Nearby
ELLIOTT (KDKA) - Police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in Elliott Thursday morning.
Michael Burkes, 32, was shot and killed feet away from his car with his young son inside.
Pittsburgh Police Lt. Dan Herrmann said just before 7 a.m., a neighbor heard gun shots and called police. When police arrived at the home in the 1000-block of Marena Street in Elliott, Burkes was found on the porch of his home and pronounced dead.
KDKA's Mary Robb Jackson Reports:
The unharmed toddler was in the car, which was still running.
"There was a baby inside the car that was in front of the house," said Lt. Herrmann. "We assume that the baby was being taken to a daycare by the father of the baby and someone apparently shot him for unknown reasons at this time."
Police said the toddler was handed over to family.
"[The] baby is fine. We called the mother. The mother came and we turned the baby over to mom. And mom will be with us today," Lt. Herrmann said.
No bullets hit the car. Police said the victim's girlfriend left the home prior to the shooting to go work. She was unaware of the incident until police called her.
Neighbors said Burkes was new to the neighborhood. Property records show he purchased the home in April of 2013.
"It shouldn't have happened to a nice guy like that," said neighbor Anthony Lozito.
Several people said that Burkes was not only a great neighbor, but was a dedicated father.
KDKA's Heather Abraham Reports:
"I see that guy everyday outside playing with his kid. Every single day. It's a tragedy," neighbor Justin Forcucci said,
Police would not release information about a motive or any possible leads Thursday morning.
Anyone with information on the case is being asked to contact the Pittsburgh Police homicide office at 412-323-7161.
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