PITTSBURGH — A respected Pittsburgh pediatrician was stabbed to death in his own home early Thursday after an intruder allegedly broke in through a window and attacked him and his wife as they slept, authorities said.
Dr. Idris Evans, 46, a pediatric critical care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, died after suffering multiple stab wounds. His wife was critically injured but survived long enough to help save the couple’s two children, according to investigators.
Police said the attack unfolded shortly after midnight inside the family’s Edgewood residence. According to a criminal complaint, Evans and his wife awoke to find a nearly naked man standing over them with a kitchen knife. The couple fought back as the attacker repeatedly stabbed them.
During the struggle, Evans’ wife shouted for their children, ages 8 and 12, to run from the house and seek help. Both children escaped safely and fled to a neighbor’s home.
Responding officers found the couple suffering from severe stab wounds and rushed them to a hospital. Evans later died from his injuries. His wife remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway. Police said Hemingway was located hiding in a nearby backyard a short time later after a canine search. Investigators reported that he was wearing only underwear and had deep cuts on his hands when he was taken into custody.
Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph described the crime scene as unusually violent.
“It was a very violent scene,” Joseph said. “The bedroom furniture was broken, mirrors were broken. It was a very graphic scene.”
Investigators said the suspect allegedly entered the home through a rear window before making his way to the couple’s bedroom. The victim’s wife told police the attacker made repeated references to God during the assault, at times claiming to be God. She also recalled hearing her husband refer to the man as “Elijah,” although she said she did not know the suspect.
Police have not yet determined whether Evans and Hemingway knew each other or what may have motivated the attack.
According to investigators, the attacker demanded car keys during the assault and left the home with them. However, authorities said there is no evidence that he attempted to steal the family’s vehicle.
Evidence recovered from the home included blood throughout the bedroom, a bloodstained kitchen knife found in a bathroom, a broken mirror, and signs of forced entry near a kitchen window, according to court documents.
Hemingway has been charged with homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal trespass. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Evans was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated physician and educator. UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh issued a statement expressing sadness over his death and extending condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers.
The killing has stunned residents of the normally quiet Edgewood community, where neighbors said violent crime is rare. Local police encouraged residents to support one another as the community grapples with the tragedy.
