Suspect in Pediatrician's Murder Accused of Sexual Assault Hours Earlier

Elijah Hemingway, 32, stands accused of sexually assaulting a woman and stealing her cell phone just hours before he allegedly murdered Dr. Idris Evans and stabbed his wife, Gina, in their Pittsburgh home. The alleged sexual assault occurred early Wednesday morning as the woman walked along a public path connected to an alley in Wilkinsburg.

According to police, Hemingway grabbed the woman from behind, threatened her life, and told her to stop screaming if she wanted to live. The victim reported that Hemingway threatened to "crack her neck" before stealing her phone. Police stated that Hemingway did not know the victim prior to this alleged assault. Detectives investigating the sexual assault found multiple items connecting Hemingway to the incident, along with the stolen cell phone.

Shortly after these findings, additional charges of rape, sexual assault, and robbery were filed against Hemingway.

The violent home invasion at the Evans residence reportedly began around 12:30 a.m. when Hemingway allegedly entered the home through an open window. He is accused of proceeding upstairs to the couple's bedroom, where he attacked Dr. Evans and his wife as they slept. Gina Evans told investigators that the attacker was wearing only underwear and made a statement about "being God" during the assault.

Dr. Evans, 46, a pediatric critical care physician and medical director at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and his wife fought back. Gina Evans managed to escape the bedroom and alert their two children, aged eight and 12, who were able to exit the house safely. Both Dr. Evans and his wife were transported to the hospital in critical condition. Dr. Evans could not be saved, while Gina Evans survived her injuries.

During the struggle, Gina Evans reportedly called the alleged attacker "Elijah," leading authorities to investigate whether the couple knew Hemingway. However, police have stated that this remains unclear. Hemingway later claimed during an interview that Dr. Evans had invited him to the house hours earlier and that the couple attacked him, but authorities noted he could not provide supporting details.

Hemingway has a history of criminal offenses. He is scheduled for preliminary hearings on October 8 and 9. Court records indicate he has not yet retained legal counsel.