Pittsburgh Man Arrested In Childhood Friend's Shooting Death

PITTSBURGH, PA — A dispute over money in a Northview Heights apartment Sunday resulted in a man fatally shooting another man whom he later claimed had been a childhood friend.

Police on Monday announced the arrest of Devaugh Tarver, 40, of Pittsburgh, in connection with the shooting death of Leshawn Rucker, 38, of Northview Heights.

Police and medics were summoned to Hazlett Street in Northview Heights Estates at around 3:45 p,m. Sunday following reports that a man had been shot inside an apartment building there.

First responders found Rucker with gunshot wounds to the upper back and groin. EMS workers provided advanced life care, including giving Rucker whole blood in the field.

He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and died there early Monday.

According to authorities, nearby surveillance video captured Tarver leaving the scene shortly after the incident. Police located him and took him into custody, where he told officers he and Rucker were childhood friends.

Tarver said Rucker came to the apartment where he was staying and accused Tarver of stealing $300 and paying him with "fake money." Tarver told police Rucker pulled out a gun, took all of his money and one of his firearms.

Tarver said he subsequently went to Rucker's apartment a few door away. He claimed that Rucker reached for a firearm, causing Tarver to pull out his own weapon and fire as many as five shots.

According to authorities, Tarver, who does not have a concealed carry permit, told police he ran away and threw his gun into a wooded area.

He has been charged with criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license and tampering with physical evidence.