Police charged a 32-year-old Pittsburgh man after the couple was attacked while their two children were inside the Edgewood home.
EDGEWOOD, Pa. — A pediatric critical care doctor was killed and his wife was seriously wounded after a man allegedly entered their home outside Pittsburgh and attacked the couple while they slept early Thursday, authorities said.
Dr. Idris Evans, 46, died after the attack at his home in Edgewood, an Allegheny County borough east of Pittsburgh. His wife was hospitalized after suffering multiple stab wounds. Police identified the suspect as Elijah Hemingway, 32, of Pittsburgh and charged him with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass. Investigators continued Friday to examine whether Hemingway and Evans knew each other and what led to the attack.
Allegheny County police said emergency dispatchers received a report of a stabbing in the 100 block of Linden Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday. First responders found Evans and his wife injured inside the home. Both were taken to hospitals in critical condition, and Evans later died. Authorities said Hemingway allegedly entered the house through an open window and went to the third floor, where the couple was sleeping.
According to a criminal complaint, Evans’ wife told investigators that she awoke to a man attacking her and her husband with a kitchen knife. She said the attacker was wearing only underwear and repeatedly made statements about God. She also recalled her husband addressing the attacker as “Elijah.” Police have not established that Evans and Hemingway had a prior relationship, and Evans’ wife told investigators she did not know the suspect.
The couple’s children, ages 8 and 12, were also inside the house. Evans’ wife told investigators that she yelled for the children to get out and go to a neighbor’s home. The children escaped without reported injuries. Police said the woman also got away from the house and sought help. Authorities have not publicly identified the children.
Officers began searching the neighborhood after responding to the home. A K9 unit from the Monroeville Police Department found Hemingway behind a nearby residence, authorities said. Police said he had injuries to his hand and was taken to a hospital for treatment before charges were filed. Investigators said Hemingway gave police an account claiming Evans had invited him to the house and that the couple attacked him first, but authorities said they had not found evidence supporting that account.
Investigators were still trying Friday to determine whether Hemingway had any connection to Evans before the attack. Allegheny County Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph said police did not know whether a pre-existing relationship existed between the two men. Neighbors interviewed by local news organizations also said they did not recognize Hemingway. Edgewood Police Chief Sylvan Altieri cautioned against speculation about reports that the suspect may have previously been seen doing yard work in the neighborhood, saying residents could be confusing him with another person.
Evans was a pediatric critical care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and an assistant professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He also served as medical director of the hospital’s Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team. UPMC and the university described Evans as a dedicated caregiver and valued member of their communities and asked that his family’s privacy be respected. Colleagues who spoke publicly after his death remembered him for his compassion and his work caring for seriously ill children.
Court records show Hemingway was facing a separate burglary case before the Edgewood attack and had been released on nonmonetary bond after his arrest in that case. The burglary allegations are separate from the charges involving Evans and do not establish guilt in either case. The Allegheny County district attorney also said Friday that investigators had linked Hemingway to a separate alleged sexual assault and that an additional charge was expected. Details of that allegation remained limited, and any such charge would have to be resolved separately in court.
Hemingway faces criminal homicide and other charges in the attack on Evans and his wife. Those charges are allegations and have not been proven in court. Investigators continued Friday to examine a possible connection between Hemingway and Evans and had not announced a motive. Evans’ wife remained hospitalized as authorities continued the investigation.
Author note: Last updated September 25, 2026.