Allegheny County, Pa. — A Homestead man accused of fatally stabbing a woman Thursday night now faces multiple charges tied to a series of violent incidents across several Allegheny County communities that investigators say unfolded over just hours.
Allegheny County Police charged 43-year-old George Mitchell II in connection with the death of 45-year-old Jinx Hairston, who was found stabbed in the 700 block of Penny Drive around 9:39 p.m. Thursday. Hairston was taken by private vehicle to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Detectives said the homicide investigation quickly expanded after evidence linked Mitchell to several assaults, attempted robberies, vehicle attacks, and an attempted stabbing reported earlier the same day in North Braddock, Penn Hills, and Wilkinsburg.
Investigators connect homicide suspect to violent crime spree
According to Allegheny County Police, detectives identified Mitchell through witness interviews, surveillance video, and additional evidence gathered during the investigation.
Authorities said the violent incidents began hours before Hairston’s killing.
At approximately 3:10 p.m., Eastern Regional Mon-Valley Police responded to Bell Avenue in North Braddock after a woman reported a man grabbed her from behind, held a gun to her head, and chased her through a parking lot while pointing the weapon at her. The woman escaped without injuries, and investigators later identified Mitchell as the suspect.
About an hour later, at 4:21 p.m., Penn Hills Police responded to the 100 block of Dauntless Drive after an attempted carjacking involving an elderly couple. Police said a man approached each victim separately, held a knife to their necks, and demanded their vehicle keys.
The suspect fled in a black Cadillac sedan after dropping the keys at the end of the driveway, according to investigators. Neither victim was physically injured.
Vehicle strikes injured four people in separate incidents
Minutes after the attempted carjacking, police said the same black Cadillac veered off the roadway on Sampson Street in Penn Hills and struck two workers repairing a sewer grate near the road.
An adult man and a juvenile male were hospitalized and remain in stable condition, authorities said.
At nearly the same time, Wilkinsburg Police responded to Doyle Street — a short distance away — where two juvenile girls were reportedly hit by a vehicle. Investigators also identified Mitchell as the driver in that incident, and Wilkinsburg Police separately filed charges.
Police said the attacks continued into the evening.
At approximately 7:33 p.m., Penn Hills Police were dispatched to the area of Lindberg Avenue and Laketon Road after a man reported narrowly avoiding being hit by a black Cadillac. Investigators said the driver exited the vehicle and attempted to stab the victim before fleeing.
Mitchell was later identified as the suspect in that attack as well.
Key Points
• George Mitchell II faces homicide and assault charges tied to multiple violent incidents across Allegheny County
• Police said 45-year-old Jinx Hairston died after a stabbing on Penny Drive Thursday night
• Investigators linked the suspect to attempted carjackings, vehicle strikes, gun threats, and another attempted stabbing earlier that day
Multiple agencies investigated incidents across three communities
The investigation involved Allegheny County Police, Penn Hills Police, Wilkinsburg Police, and Eastern Regional Mon-Valley Police as detectives worked to connect the incidents.
Authorities have not publicly discussed a possible motive or whether Mitchell knew any of the victims involved in the attacks.
After consulting with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, county detectives filed charges including homicide, aggravated assault, and robbery.
Mitchell was denied bail and remains held in the Allegheny County Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not announced whether additional charges could be filed.
Allegheny County Police, Penn Hills crime, Pennsylvania homicide, violent crime investigation
