PENN HILLS, PA – A woman dropping off her children at a home in Penn Hills was shot and killed inside her SUV before the vehicle crashed into a garage, in what authorities say was a domestic-related incident that also left the suspected gunman dead.
Crystal Russ, 44, was identified by her family as the victim in Tuesday afternoon’s shooting on the 6700 block of West Barvista Drive. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified William Broadus, 44, as the other person found dead at the scene, according to local reports.
Russ and Broadus had been married for about a decade but were in the process of separating, according to family members. The couple shared twins, and Russ had driven to the residence to drop them off when the shooting occurred.
Police say the violence unfolded inside the vehicle, which ultimately crashed into a nearby structure.
Domestic shooting unfolds inside vehicle
The Allegheny County Police Department said its Homicide Unit was called to assist after a 911 caller reported a vehicle had struck a building.
“First responders encountered two individuals, an adult male and an adult female, shot inside the vehicle,” the department said. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
“Preliminary information shows the shooting occurred inside the vehicle as part of a domestic situation,” police added. “There were no other injuries reported.”
Family members believe Broadus shot Russ while the SUV was still moving, causing it to crash, before turning the gun on himself. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the sequence described by relatives but have characterized the case as domestic in nature.
Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots during the weekday afternoon.
“I said, ‘Oh my God, Karen, I just heard guns,'” neighbor Nettie Schropp told WPXI. “She said, ‘I heard something too,’ and I said, it went ‘boom, boom, boom, boom and then boom.'”
Family describes victim, questions motive
Russ’ cousin, Alicia Rucker, said the separation may have contributed to the violence.
“He couldn’t take the separation,” Rucker said. “He knew he would never find no one better than her.”
A fundraiser created for Russ’ four children described her as a central figure in her family’s life.
“She was so much more than the story of her final days. She was a devoted mother, a loving daughter, a cherished cousin, and a light in the lives of everyone who knew her,” the fundraiser states. “Her laugh filled every room she walked into, her heart made everyone feel welcome, and the love she had for her family was undeniable.”
The message continues: “No amount of words can express the pain of losing someone so deeply loved, but we refuse to let her last chapter define the incredible woman she was. She deserves to be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her unwavering love for her children, and the countless memories she gave us. She was the person who could make you smile when you needed it most, whose presence brought comfort, and whose spirit touched so many lives.”
Allegheny County police continue to investigate the shooting.
