Police Investigating Pitt Student's Murder
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OAKLAND (KDKA) -- A Pitt student is dead after what police are calling a homicide at a home on Cable Place in Oakland.
Neighbors looked on at the crime scene from their front porches Sunday afternoon.
"We didn't hear anything and I didn't see anything," said neighbor Nancy D'andrea.
While they didn't hear or see anything suspicious, Nancy D'andrea saw two people standing in front of the home clearly upset.
"I feel so bad because I saw a guy and a lady. They were crying so loud I thought maybe it was her boyfriend, but after I realized… I think it was the mother and the father," D'andrea said.
Police responded to the home just before 9 a.m. Sunday. That's when they found the 20-year-old woman on the second floor. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene from blunt force trauma.
The Allegheny County medical examiner's office has identified the victim as Alina Sheykhet. Through Facebook, Sheykhet's brother confirmed that his sister was murdered on his 25th birthday.
"Nine o'clock, the people that live there go inside. We don't know nothing about if they were having a party. I don't know," said neighbor Pasqua Sciulli.
Neighbors said the home was just rented out last month, but don't know anything about the people that live there. Police are trying to find out anything they can. They do believe Sheykhet was murdered sometime overnight.
"At this point, we are actively interviewing people and canvassing the area for further information," said Sgt. William Vollberg with Pittsburgh Police.
Christine D'Antonio's Report:
Meantime, people that knew Sheykhet are stunned.
Alex McCleary posted on Twitter: "Heartbroken that this happened to such a beautiful sweet girl. You are loved Alina. Praying for the Sheykhet family."
Alyssa tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers to the Sheykhet family. Such a sick world, rest in peace Alina."
A Pitt spokesperson said the family of the victim has been notified.
Police say the university and surrounding community shouldn't feel threatened in any way.
A Pitt spokesperson said: "Our campus is saddened and extends its deepest sympathies to the student's family and those who knew her. The University Counseling Center will be open for walk-in appointments beginning Monday and can be reached around the clock at (412) 648-7930."
Pittsburgh Police said it's too early to determine who the suspect could be.
If you have any information on this homicide, you're being asked to call Pittsburgh Police.