Woman fatally shot during neighborhood dispute in Braddock
BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- A mother of three from Braddock was shot to death after a fight broke out over kids playing in the street on Sunday.
Police said there was a dispute among residents on Corey Avenue in Braddock around 6:30 p.m. Sunday. It became physical and police said 43-year-old Erica Vail was shot. She was taken to the hospital but died.
A neighbor said he heard fighting and then saw Vail's son arguing with a neighbor. Then he saw six to 10 people fighting and heard five to six gunshots. One of those bullets hit Vail in the stomach.
State police are still looking for the suspected shooter. Investigators were out all Sunday night looking at surveillance video and checking for fingerprints and DNA. They believe the suspect knows the victim and frequents the area. They are using license plate readers to locate the car the suspect drove away in, which they believe is a rental car.
"We just got a really good video in, which our major case team is looking at right now at this minute," Trooper Rocco Gagliardi said.
Many in the neighborhood are stunned. One of Vail's friends described her as a beautiful outspoken woman who was loving and caring. Her family calls it senseless.
"She was a loving person. And she came out to protect her child and we just want peace. We don't want any more violence. Erica is gone," said Jennifer Williams, a family member.
The shooting is currently under investigation. If anyone has information, call state police in Pittsburgh at 412-787-2000.
