Suspect Accused of Killing Pittsburgh Pediatrician Also Sexually Assaulted Woman Hours Earlier, Police Say

The suspect accused of killing a Pittsburgh pediatrician and critically injuring his wife during a midnight home invasion allegedly sexually assaulted a separate woman in public just hours earlier, authorities reported.

Elijah Hemingway, 32, allegedly ambushed the woman Wednesday morning as she was walking along a path that connects to an alley in Wilkinsburg. Officials alleged Hemingway then stole the woman's cell phone during the incident. The victim did not know Hemingway prior to the alleged assault.

Wilkinsburg police notified Allegheny County detectives, who investigated the alleged sexual assault alongside the homicide case. Detectives recovered multiple items connecting Hemingway to the assault, as well as the victim's stolen cell phone. Following a consultation with the district attorney's office, county police filed additional charges against Hemingway, including rape, sexual assault, and robbery.

The Wilkinsburg attack occurred just outside Edgewood, Pennsylvania, where Hemingway allegedly entered a home and stabbed a couple while they were sleeping early Thursday morning. The pediatrician killed in the attack was identified as Dr. Idris Evans, 46. Evans' wife told police that the attacker appeared "psychotic" and claimed to be "God."

As the couple fought back, Evans' wife urged their children, ages 8 and 12, to leave the house. She also told investigators that Evans called the attacker "Elijah," suggesting he knew him. However, county authorities could not confirm whether Evans and Hemingway had any pre-existing relationship.

During the investigation, police said Hemingway gave an account of the night that did not align with their findings. He claimed Evans had invited him back to the home hours earlier and allowed him inside, and that Evans attacked him with a knife, causing a stab wound to his back. Authorities stated they found no stab wound on Hemingway's back and could not locate a bicycle he claimed to have used to get to the home.

Authorities brought seven charges against Hemingway in connection with the Thursday attack, including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, and trespassing. Court records show that Hemingway, who has a criminal history dating back to 2016, was released without bail in July in connection with a February burglary.