Shooting Victim's Ex-Wife Says Neighbors Saw Someone Run From Scene
NEW KENSINGTON (KDKA) -- Police in Westmoreland County are still trying to figure out who shot and killed a couple in New Kensington.
John Russ, 43, was found shot to death in his car in the 400-block of 4th Avenue around 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Just down the street, police found the body of his girlfriend, 28-year-old Shannon Bongartz, of Penn Hills. Police say Bongartz was shot multiple times.
Bongartz was a mother of four. She had allegedly battled addiction for years.
Russ' ex-wife, Heather Cline, says he too had a drug habit. Cline says Russ and Bongartz were on their way to get methadone when they were shot.
"All he's done in his life," says Cline. "For him to die of a gunshot is just ridiculous."
She also thinks the shooter was monitoring the couple.
"He knew when they left for the clinic," says Cline.
Neighbors told Cline they saw someone running from the scene.
"They looked out, but the person was just all dressed in black. They couldn't see anything," says Cline.
Despite his alleged drug habit, Cline says her ex-husband was good man, and that he just got involved with the wrong crowd.
"I know he didn't have the greatest lifestyle, but he didn't deserve to die," she says.
She added that Bongartz didn't deserve to be shot either.
"There's nothing we can do now," says Cline. "It's just sad."
She also worries for her family.
"Now my kids are left without their dad," says Cline. "It's just very sad for the children and the people here left to deal with it."
Meantime, police are still looking for leads. Anyone with information is asked to call police.
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