Dr. Idris Evans, a 46-year-old pediatric critical care physician and medical director at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, was killed early Thursday in an overnight stabbing inside his Edgewood Borough home. The attack also left his wife seriously injured. According to the Allegheny County Police Department, responding officers found the couple suffering from multiple stab wounds after arriving at the Linden Avenue residence at approximately 12:30 a.m.
UPMC Physician Killed, Wife Injured in Edgewood Overnight Stabbing
Manhunt and K9 Unit Lead to Suspect’s Arrest
Police took 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway of Pittsburgh into custody at the scene following a manhunt aided by a K9 unit. Investigators stated that Hemingway was located behind a neighboring home hiding in a garden area, bleeding from cuts to his hand. First responders loaded Hemingway into an ambulance in handcuffs after he was apprehended. Court paperwork and police updates confirmed that Hemingway has been charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, and trespassing.
According to neighbor Sandra Trappen, whose yard served as the hiding spot, the suspect utilized an unmanicured section of her garden to conceal himself before police secured the area. Local police departments described the municipality as a tight-knit community, urging residents to avoid spreading unverified rumors or graphic details that could further distress those impacted by the violence.
Children Escape Unharmed as Details of the Attack Emerge
According to court documents, the victims’ two children—aged 8 and 12—were inside the home when the attack occurred in the primary bedroom while the couple slept. The children were unharmed and fled the house to seek help at a neighbor’s residence after the wife yelled for them to escape. Investigators reported that the bedroom sustained significant damage, including broken furniture and mirrors.
The surviving wife told detectives that she and her husband awoke to a man wearing only underwear and making statements about “being God.” Court records indicate she heard her husband address the attacker by the name “Elijah” as if recognizing him, though police stated the wife also reported she did not personally know the suspect. Law enforcement believes Hemingway entered the home through a back window.
Hospital Community Mourns Loss of Dedicated Caregiver
Dr. Evans served as the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team at UPMC Children’s Hospital and held an appointment as an assistant professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. A UPMC spokesperson issued a statement describing him as a dedicated caregiver and valued member of the hospital and university communities, requesting that the privacy of his family, loved ones, and colleagues be respected.
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