Edgewood police denounce racist flyers distributed after Pittsburgh doctor killed

Police in Edgewood Borough are speaking out after flyers with racist messaging were distributed in the area following the killing of a Pittsburgh doctor who lived in the community. 

"Edgewood is a wonderful, close-knit community, and there is no place here for racism, hatred, or messages intended to divide or intimidate our neighbors," police said in a social media post.

Police provided a photo of the flyer and said that the department is working with the Allegheny County Police Department and the district attorney's office regarding the ongoing investigation. The flyer referenced "Black on White" crime and used inflammatory language about Black people.

Flyers are "not crimes," law professor says

"This is a person who is trying to turn neighbors against other neighbors. Based on racism and hatred," Pitt Law School professor David Harris said.

Harris has expertise in crime and hate crime. He says the speech is horrid, but it might not be a crime.

"Nobody should believe the flyers; nobody should take them at face value. Nobody should allow them free rent in their thoughts, but they're not crimes," Harris said.

The flyers claim to be from the Sacred White Knights. Dialing the phone number with a North Carolina area code led to a recorded message.

"Greetings, you've reached the Sacred White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan," the recording said. The recording ends with a man's voice saying, "White power." 

Edgewood Borough leaders and police said these flyers do not represent the community and intend to divide neighbors after a tragedy. 

According to Harris, messages like this could be brought up during jury selection if Hemingway goes to trial.

"But that means that there will be a trial. That means that there would be a defense. That means that it would be a jury case, so we have a long way to go to find out whether it would come up," Harris said.

Pittsburgh police said it received two dozen reports of flyers seen in areas of Braddock Avenue and Richmond Street in Regent Square.

Officials are asking people who might have security video or images of the person or people responsible for distributing the flyers to contact the department and ask to speak to an officer.

Flyers seen after death of Pittsburgh doctor

It was last Thursday morning when Dr. Idris Evans and his wife were attacked and stabbed inside their Edgewood home while they slept. 

Elijah Hemingway, 32, was arrested and charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass in connection with Evans' death.  

Hemingway was also charged in a separate sexual assault case out of Wilkinsburg, which borders Edgewood. The alleged assault happened about 14 hours before Hemingway killed Evans, investigators said. 

Police said that the department remains committed to helping ensure that everyone in the community feels safe, respected and supported.

"Please continue to look out for one another, and as always, do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have concerns," police said.