Authorities identify man fatally shot in New Kensington

Authorities identified a man who was fatally shot over the weekend in New Kensington as Jason Raiford.

Two juveniles were arrested early Monday on felony gun charges, and an arrest warrant was issued for another, Amir Kennedy, 14, of New Kensington on a homicide charge, according to a statement from Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli.

The others weren’t identified.

The killing happened about 2 p.m. Sunday outside the Valley Royal Court apartments on Fifth Avenue. The New Kensington Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police and the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office are working on the investigation.

“This is a horrible tragedy for Mr. Raiford’s family and friends and Westmoreland County at large,” Ziccarelli said in a statement.

She didn’t release further details about what happened.

Related:

6 teens charged in New Kensington shooting death

Multiple attempts to reach New Kensington police were unsuccessful. Police did not return phone messages, and messages left in person at the police department went unreturned.

Tribune-Review news partner WPXI reported observing police finding what appeared to be a large, high-powered rifle at the scene.

Residents at the Valley Royal Court apartments on Monday expressed concern for their safety after they say they heard shots and saw Raiford’s body outside the building.

“He was right over there,” said Isiah Santiago, 18, of New Kensington, pointing to where he said Raiford had been shot. “I saw the guy, and the cops come in and put a blanket over him, and that was it.”

A woman who answered her door on the first floor of the building but did not want to be identified said she heard the shots but did not go outside.

Resident Nikki Powell, 27, of New Kensington said she wasn’t sure what happened.

“It’s sickening. It makes no sense,” said Powell, who lives with her children at the complex.

“This remains an ongoing investigation,” Ziccarelli said.

Anyone who has information about Kennedy’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact New Kensington police at 724-339-7534.