Doctor Fatally Stabbed by Intruder Claiming to Be God; Wife Critically Injured
A man identified as Elijah Hemingway allegedly broke into a Pennsylvania home and attacked a doctor and his wife while they slept, authorities reported.
A doctor was fatally stabbed and his wife critically injured in their Pennsylvania home by an intruder who claimed to be God, according to authorities.
Dr. Idris Evans, 46, and his wife were asleep in their Edgewood home early Thursday when suspect Elijah Hemingway, 32, allegedly entered through a back window and attacked them, the Allegheny County Police stated.
During the assault, Hemingway made multiple references to God and claimed to be God, court records obtained by WPXI reported. Police described the scene as "very violent" with broken furniture and mirrors.
Evans was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. His wife was also hospitalized in critical condition. The couple’s children, aged 8 and 12, were in the home during the attack but were not physically harmed.
Evans’ wife told police that she and her husband attempted to fight back and that she yelled for their children to escape. She reported not knowing the intruder, but noted that her husband had called the suspect by his first name, "Elijah." Hemingway allegedly claimed he had been invited to the home, a claim officials were investigating.
After the attack, Hemingway took the wife's car keys. He was located by a police K9 unit hiding in a neighboring home and was found with lacerations on his hands. He was taken to a hospital and subsequently charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal trespass.
Court records indicate Hemingway had been out on nonmonetary bail from a July arrest for burglary and theft charges incurred in February.
Dr. Evans was the co-Medical Director of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Pediatric Transport Team and an Assistant Professor of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. UPMC issued a statement mourning his loss and describing him as a "dedicated caregiver and valued member" of their communities.
