WEST MIFFLIN, Pennsylvania — A 29-year-old Penn Hills man was fatally shot inside a West Mifflin apartment early Monday morning, and a suspect has since been charged with criminal homicide, according to investigators.
The victim, Omar Poole, died after being shot multiple times inside an apartment at the Mifflin Estates complex on B Drive, authorities said.
West Mifflin police officers responded to the residence shortly before 12:45 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Poole suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders transported him to UPMC Mercy Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to a criminal complaint, the shooting occurred after a woman living at the apartment told investigators she was in the process of ending her relationship with Richard Jetter, 27, and had invited Poole to the apartment earlier that evening.
The woman told police she was inside a bedroom with a child when the shooting occurred and did not witness the incident. Following the gunfire, she reported hearing Jetter repeatedly say, “He was going for his gun,” before requesting to use her phone to contact emergency services.
Investigators identified Jetter as the individual who ultimately placed the 911 call.
According to court documents, Jetter told investigators that he encountered Poole inside the apartment and believed the man was reaching for something. He reportedly claimed that he acted in self-defense and was protecting himself, his home, and his daughter.
Detectives also interviewed a second woman who was in a nearby apartment at the time of the shooting. According to the criminal complaint, she reported overhearing a conversation after the gunfire. She told investigators she heard a woman pleading for help and questioning why Poole was at the apartment. The witness further stated that she heard a man respond by asking the woman to listen before questioning why Poole was there.
Both Jetter and the woman who was inside the apartment were taken in for questioning as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Following the investigation, Allegheny County Police filed a charge of criminal homicide against Jetter in connection with Poole’s death.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to review evidence and witness statements. Additional details regarding court proceedings and the ongoing investigation are expected to emerge as the case moves through the judicial system.
Meanwhile, family members and friends are mourning the loss of Omar Poole, whose death has left loved ones seeking answers in the wake of the tragic incident.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact Allegheny County Police.
