Elijah Hemingway, 32, is accused of sexually assaulting and robbing a woman in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, hours before a fatal home invasion. Police say he later entered a nearby home and attacked a pediatrician and his wife while they slept. Dr. Idris Evans died from stab wounds, while his wife was hospitalized in stable condition. Hemingway faces additional charges in the alleged sexual assault as well as homicide and other charges in the home invasion.
Investigators say the woman did not know Hemingway before the alleged public assault. Detectives recovered items they said linked him to the incident, including the victim’s stolen cellphone. Authorities have not established whether Hemingway knew the Evans family before the attack.
| 1) | Alleged assault preceded fatal home invasion |
|---|---|
| 2) | Police describe evidence in the sexual assault case |
| 3) | Pediatrician killed during overnight attack |
| 4) | Investigators question suspect’s account |
| 5) | Hemingway faces multiple criminal charges |
Alleged assault preceded fatal home invasion
Allegheny County authorities say the first incident occurred Wednesday morning along a path connecting to an alley in Wilkinsburg, just outside Edgewood. Police allege that Hemingway ambushed a woman as she walked through the area, sexually assaulted her and took her cellphone. The victim and suspect were not previously known to each other, according to investigators.
The alleged assault occurred only hours before the overnight attack at the Evans residence. Wilkinsburg police notified county detectives, who investigated the sexual assault alongside the homicide case. Authorities later filed additional charges after consulting with the district attorney’s office.
Police describe evidence in the sexual assault case
Detectives said they recovered multiple items connecting Hemingway to the reported sexual assault. They also located the cellphone that the woman reported stolen during the incident. Based on that investigation, county police charged Hemingway with rape, sexual assault and robbery.
The allegations remain criminal accusations, and the case will be decided through the court process. Police have not publicly described all of the evidence or provided a further account of the woman’s injuries. The investigation into the alleged assault formed part of the broader inquiry following Hemingway’s arrest.
Pediatrician killed during overnight attack
Early Thursday morning, police say Hemingway entered the Evans home while the couple was sleeping and stabbed both residents. Dr. Idris Evans, 46, was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead. He served as medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Evans’ wife survived and was hospitalized in stable condition. According to a police report, she said the attacker appeared to be acting irrationally and claimed to be God. She called for the couple’s children, ages 8 and 12, to leave the house as the adults struggled with the intruder.
The wife told investigators that Evans called the attacker “Elijah,” although authorities said they could not confirm whether the two men had a prior relationship.
Investigators question suspect’s account
Police said Hemingway provided an account that did not match their findings. He allegedly told investigators that Evans had invited him to the residence earlier and permitted him to enter. Hemingway also claimed Evans attacked him with a knife and that he suffered a stab wound to his back.
Investigators reported that they found no stab wound on Hemingway’s back. They also could not locate a bicycle he said he used to travel to the home. The Evans family’s account of the attack, along with the physical evidence, became central to the police investigation.
Hemingway faces multiple criminal charges
Authorities brought seven charges against Hemingway in connection with the home invasion, including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and trespassing. The separate case adds allegations of rape, sexual assault and robbery. The charges cover conduct reported in two locations and within a short period of time.
Court records show that Hemingway has a criminal history dating to 2016. Records also indicate that he was released without bail in July in connection with a February burglary case. The available account does not establish the outcome of that earlier matter.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police allege a sexual assault and cellphone robbery occurred in Wilkinsburg hours before the home invasion. |
| 2 | Dr. Idris Evans died after being stabbed at his home. |
| 3 | Evans’ wife survived, and the couple’s children were told to leave the house. |
| 4 | Investigators said physical evidence contradicted parts of Hemingway’s account. |
| 5 | Hemingway faces homicide, assault, burglary, trespassing, rape, sexual assault and robbery charges. |
Summary
Police say the sequence of alleged crimes began with an assault and robbery in Wilkinsburg and culminated hours later in the fatal stabbing of a Pittsburgh pediatrician. Investigators have filed charges in both cases and cited recovered evidence and inconsistencies in Hemingway’s account. The allegations will proceed through the criminal court system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elijah Hemingway?
Elijah Hemingway is a 32-year-old Pennsylvania suspect accused in the alleged sexual assault and robbery of a woman and the fatal home invasion involving Dr. Idris Evans.
What happened to Dr. Idris Evans?
Police say Evans was stabbed during an overnight home invasion in the area near Edgewood. He was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
What charges does Hemingway face?
He faces charges including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, trespassing, rape, sexual assault and robbery.
Was a prior relationship between Hemingway and Evans confirmed?
No. Although Evans’ wife told police that Evans called the attacker “Elijah,” county authorities said they could not confirm any preexisting relationship.
