Dr. Idris Evans, a 46-year-old pediatric critical care physician at UPMC, was fatally stabbed in his Edgewood home shortly after midnight when an intruder attacked him and his wife. The wife sustained multiple stab wounds and remains in critical condition; their two children, ages 8 and 12, escaped to a neighbor's house. Police arrested 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway nearby with cuts to his hands; he faces homicide and related charges and has a prior criminal history in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Pittsburgh Pediatrician Fatally Stabbed at Home; Wife Critically Wounded, Children Escape
Dr. Idris Evans was stabbed to death in his home early Thursday morning. - UPMC
A Pittsburgh pediatric critical care physician was killed and his wife critically injured after an intruder broke into their Edgewood home and stabbed the couple in their third-floor bedroom shortly after midnight, authorities said.
What Happened
According to a criminal complaint and law enforcement statements, Dr. Idris Evans, 46, and his wife woke to find a man in his underwear standing over them and attacking with a kitchen knife. The couple tried to fend off the assailant "to the best of their ability" while the mother called for their two children — ages 8 and 12 — to flee. The children ran to a neighbor's house and were unharmed.
Law enforcement responds near the scene on Thursday, September 24. - KDKA
Response and Victim Condition
Allegheny County police responded to the Edgewood residence at about 12:31 a.m. Officers found both adults with multiple stab wounds and transported them to a hospital. Dr. Evans was later pronounced dead; his wife remains hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.
Suspect and Arrest
Investigators identified 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway as the suspect. A police canine team located him hiding a short distance from the home, wearing only underwear and with bleeding lacerations on his hands. Hemingway was taken to a local hospital for treatment and remained under medical care Friday, a police spokesperson said. He faces multiple charges, including homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass.
An image of Elijah Hemingway taken on April 1, 2025, provided by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. - Volusia County Sheriff's Office
Scene Evidence and Investigation
Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph described the bedroom as a "very violent scene," noting broken furniture and mirrors and significant blood at the site. Court filings indicate investigators found a bloodstained kitchen knife in a bathroom, blood on a rear-door handle, an open kitchen window with suspected blood nearby, and other signs of a struggle. Authorities say they are still investigating a possible motive and whether the suspect and victims knew one another.
Background on the Suspect
Court records show Hemingway has faced charges in Pennsylvania and Volusia County, Florida, dating back to at least 2016, including burglary, theft and battery. Recent records indicate arrests in Allegheny County and earlier incidents in Volusia County that involved confrontations with deputies; some matters resulted in no-contest pleas or other dispositions and at least one period of involuntary mental health detention before he was deemed competent to face charges.
Community and Professional Reaction
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) confirmed Dr. Evans worked at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh as a pediatric critical care physician and served as an assistant professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. UPMC said it was "deeply saddened" by the loss and extended condolences to Dr. Evans' family, colleagues and the broader community. Edgewood Borough police urged neighbors to check on one another following the violent incident.
Ongoing Proceedings
As of the latest statements, Hemingway had not been formally processed on the new charges. Investigators continue to collect evidence and explore potential motives; a court date related to prior county charges was scheduled for October 1.
Note: This report is based on law enforcement statements, court records and local reporting. Authorities continue to investigate and may release additional details.
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