Doctor's Killer Was Out on Bail for Prior Burglary

The man accused of fatally stabbing pediatric critical care physician Dr. Idris Evans was out on non-monetary bail for a separate burglary charge when the attack occurred, court records show. Elijah Hemingway, 32, was arrested in July for a February burglary and theft incident but was released hours later, according to The Post.

Hemingway had attended three hearings related to the burglary and was scheduled for another court appearance on October 1. However, on Thursday, he allegedly broke into Evans' home and attacked the doctor and his wife as they slept with their two young daughters nearby. The couple's children, aged 8 and 12, fled to a neighbor's home after their mother instructed them to escape.

Emergency services were called to the residence shortly after 12:30 a.m. Police described the assailant as appearing "psychotic" and muttering about God. During the struggle, Evans reportedly called out the name "Elijah," suggesting he may have known his attacker, according to his wife's account cited in court documents.

Evans was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. His wife sustained severe injuries but survived the assault. Police apprehended Hemingway in a neighboring home after he was tracked by a K9 unit. He was found with lacerations on his hands and was also taken to the hospital.

Hemingway faces multiple charges, including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal trespass. Evans was a physician and 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 and the University of Pittsburgh issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss of Dr. Evans.