Murder Investigation Continues, Swissvale Neighborhood Moves Forward

A typical day on Westmoreland Avenue in Swissvale is a scene filled with crossing guards, children hopping off of the bus after the school day and parents gathering to greet them.

That’s the neighborhood Kate McGlynn knows.

Living in a home that has been in her husband’s family for more than 50 years, she said as she came home Tuesday and saw police cars on her own street, she assumed an accident had happened.

“It was shocking that it was gun violence,” McGlynn said.

of Swissvale near 7705 Westmoreland Ave., McGlynn, who lives about three blocks away from where the crime occurred, said she has never felt unsafe in the neighborhood.

“I walk back and forth to the bus and walk up and down the street every day,” she said. “It’s a mixture of renters and home owners.”

Swissvale Police Chief Greg Geppert said Thursday .

“At this point, we have no new information,” Geppert said. “Allegheny County detectives are investigating leads but we have no arrests at this point.”

The shooting occurred near the corner of Milligan and Westmoreland avenues Tuesday a little before 5:30 p.m.

Neighbors shared the sentiment that a crime such as this is out of the ordinary for the area.

McGlynn said teenage boys broke into their home last summer, but after finding out they were kids, she didn’t change the way she thought about the neighborhood. More than 20 years ago, her husband’s parents had a similar experience – a break-in, followed by a shooting in the street.

“It’s strange to walk by a house where you know something like that happened,” she said.

McGlynn said although it is unsettling to know such severe violence occurred just a few doors down, taking a man’s life, she said it won’t shake her attitude toward the place she calls home.

“I try not to dwell on that sort of thing because it just creates more nervousness and negative energy,” she said.

Swissvale Council President Dave Petrarca said the incident is an example of why police funds were not cut in this year’s budget decision, even as the borough faced a deficit.

“They responded very quickly and they were there as soon as it happened,” Petrarca said. “It shows this council knows how important law enforcement is and we are dedicated to keeping the quality and quantity. These things can happen anywhere and anytime. It’s unfortunate but it’s society today.”

Petrarca said Allegheny County police and detectives are assisting in the investigation, which is routine when a serious crime occurs.

“We are hopeful with our departments and police chief’s guidance that an arrest will be made in this case,” Petrarca said. “It’s early but a full investigation is launched.”

He said he feels bad for the people who live in the neighborhood where the fatal shooting occurred, but is confident the suspect will be caught.

“The residents there can rest assured that our department is out there doing the best they can and council will give them all the resources they need to accomplish their job,” Petrarca said.

Swissvale Mayor Deneen Swartzwelder said she checked the police files after the shooting and said the department had gotten just two calls from the apartment building in 2010.

“It’s not something that happens in that area,” Swartzwelder said. “We had a very quick response to the call and it’s just one of those things. There’s no explanation for it -- very rarely do we get a call from Westmoreland.”