2 Killed In Shooting At Ambridge Gas Station, 4 Facing Charges
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AMBRIDGE (KDKA) - Four people are facing charges after a shooting at a gas station in Ambridge that left two people dead early Friday morning.
It was an emotional scene in Ambridge once family and friends realized that two of their loved ones were dead. Police tape surrounded the Sunoco gas station on Merchant Street, while police from multiple departments investigated and gathered evidence. Two pieces of evidence are a black SUV and a silver sedan, which were later towed from the scene.
"We had an incident at the A-Plus about 2:30 this morning. Two deceased. It is an ongoing homicide investigation," said Ambridge Acting Police Chief Mark Romutis.
Watch Amy Wadas's report --
When officers arrived, Brandon Richardson standing in front of the store. He told officers he had shot the victims after they assaulted him.
Surveillance video appears to show Richardson being assaulted by five people. The assault ended when a store employee approached the individuals.
Richardson got up off the ground, walked to his car and retrieved a firearm. Then, he allegedly pointed the gun in the direction of at least one of the people involved in the assault.
The victims walked toward Richardson and when one bent over to pick something up off the ground, Richardson allegedly opened fire.
Brandon Everett and Lamar Seymour were pronounced dead at the scene.
The three other suspects accused of assaulting Richardson are in custody. Those suspects have been identified as Dana Damar Jones, Zachary Duane Berry and Maria Lena Escobedo.
Jones, Berry and Escobedo are facing charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Richardson has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide.
The homicide investigation is leaving the Ambridge community in shock.
"I just couldn't believe it. I thought it was a fire or somebody broke in the store," said Ambridge resident Sam Smith.
Smith was walking to the gas station to buy some cigarettes when he was greeted by officers.
"I said, 'Two murders?' He said, 'Yeah, turn around, go back.' I can see them lying on the ground. I said I be doggone," said Smith. "I seen that. I was shocked. I turned around and walked back home."
Police are reviewing surveillance video.
"I heard somebody was just messing with somebody. He jumps out of his truck and shoots two people dead and that's a shock down here in the middle of town," said Ambridge resident Kelvin Martin.
"It's sad, you know. I guess they were young. People need to come together and stop the violence," said Ambridge resident David Berry.
The district attorney said he expects to release more information once the autopsies are completed.
Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Dec. 18 at the Beaver County Courthouse.
