JEANNETTE, PA — Westmoreland County authorities have charged a second suspect in the June 2023 shooting that left a woman dead and three others injured during a reported drug-related confrontation at a Jeannette residence.
Key Points
- DeShawn Russell, 27, charged April 16 with murder and related offenses
- Brianna Lartz, 25, was killed during the June 9, 2023 shooting on Lowry Avenue
- Co-defendant Maleek Green, 27, was arrested earlier this month in North Carolina
Deadly shooting linked to drug sale turns into murder case
The shooting occurred at 815 Lowry Avenue at approximately 9:30 p.m. on June 9, 2023. When officers arrived, they found two gunshot victims outside the residence and a third, Brianna Lartz, 25, deceased inside with a gunshot wound to the head. Another victim was transported to a hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.
Maleek Green was also found outside the home with a gunshot wound to his leg and a handgun nearby. Evidence from the scene included cartridge casings and live rounds scattered across several streets and inside the residence.
Detectives connect suspects through video, messages, and witness statements
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Green approaching the residence while another male remained outside. Witness accounts and text messages revealed that the shooting occurred during a planned cocaine sale. Witnesses later identified both Green and DeShawn Russell as the shooters.
Russell, who is currently incarcerated at SCI Laurel Highlands on unrelated charges, was officially charged on April 16. Charges include first- and second-degree murder, robbery, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and firearms violations.
Green was arrested by U.S. Marshals in North Carolina on April 2 and extradited to Westmoreland County. Both men are awaiting preliminary hearings.
