UPMC Doctor Killed in Overnight Stabbing Attack in Edgewood; Suspect in Custody

A physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was killed early Thursday morning during a violent home invasion in Edgewood Borough. Dr. Idris Evans, 46, died after he and his wife were attacked with a kitchen knife while they slept in their Linden Avenue residence.

According to court documents, the couple woke to find an assailant in bed with them. The attacker, described as wearing only underwear, reportedly made statements about “being God.” During the assault, Evans’ wife yelled for their children, ages 8 and 12, to flee the house and seek safety at a neighbor’s home. She also told police that her husband addressed the attacker by the name “Elijah,” suggesting they may have known one another.

The Allegheny County Police Department responded around 12:30 a.m. Officers discovered both Evans and his wife suffering from stab wounds. They were transported to a hospital in critical condition, but Evans subsequently died from his injuries.

Police later identified the suspect as 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway. He was taken into custody at the scene and charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, and trespassing. Investigators noted that Hemingway was found hiding behind a nearby home with cuts to his hand. He was treated at a local hospital before being arrested.

Dr. Evans served as the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team at UPMC Children’s Hospital and held the position of assistant professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. A UPMC spokesperson honored his legacy, stating, “Dr. Evans was a dedicated caregiver and valued member of our hospital and university communities,” and requested privacy for his family.

Sandra Trappen, who lives next door, described finding police surrounding her home and later learning that the suspect had been concealing himself in an unkempt area of her garden. She expressed shock at the event, noting that the bleeding intruder had hidden nearby until responders located him.

Local authorities addressed the community late Thursday, acknowledging the trauma experienced by residents. Police emphasized that Edgewood is a “small and close-knit community” and urged residents to refrain from sharing rumors, graphic details, or photographs of the incident online to protect the privacy and well-being of those affected.