WILKINSBURG, PA — On the evening of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a wave of grief and shock swept through the communities of Wilkinsburg and Larimer, as news broke of a fatal shooting that claimed the life of Deglin St. Clair, an 18-year-old young man who was a resident of the Larimer neighborhood in Pittsburgh’s East End. Authorities have confirmed the death of St. Clair, who was shot in what is believed to have been a targeted incident.

The tragic event occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., when police were called to a scene near Frankstown Avenue in Wilkinsburg, a neighboring area just outside of the Larimer neighborhood. St. Clair, known for his bright future and strong ties to the local community, was discovered at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders, St. Clair was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Deglin St. Clair was remembered by friends, family, and neighbors as a young man with incredible promise. Described as someone with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a love for his community, St. Clair had recently graduated from Pittsburgh’s East End High School and was looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life. Those who knew him well described him as a kind-hearted individual who was always ready to lend a hand to those in need and as someone who had big dreams of improving not just his own life, but also the lives of those around him.

“He had his whole life ahead of him,” said Jasmine Turner, a close family friend. “He was a hard worker, always striving to make something of himself. He was so loved by everyone who knew him, and it just doesn’t feel real that he’s gone.”

While the young man’s death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who were closest to him, his loss is felt throughout the entire community. Many residents of Wilkinsburg and Larimer expressed their shock and sorrow, taking to social media and organizing memorials to honor St. Clair’s memory.

According to the Pittsburgh Police Department and Allegheny County Homicide Unit, the shooting occurred during what may have been a targeted attack. Wilkinsburg Police arrived at the scene near Frankstown Avenue and found St. Clair suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A preliminary investigation revealed that St. Clair was alone at the time of the shooting. Authorities are still piecing together the details of the incident but believe that the victim was ambushed by an assailant or group of assailants. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is currently being reviewed to identify any potential suspects.

While investigators have not officially confirmed a motive for the shooting, some local sources have speculated that the attack may be related to an ongoing conflict or dispute in the area. However, this remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made at the time of writing.

The news of Deglin St. Clair’s death has hit the Wilkinsburg and Larimer communities particularly hard. Both neighborhoods have been grappling with rising concerns over gun violence, which has escalated in recent years despite ongoing efforts by local organizations and city officials to curb violence and improve public safety.

Residents and community leaders have been vocal in expressing their outrage at the senseless killing. Brianna Hayes, a neighbor who has lived in the Larimer area for over a decade, shared her feelings of disbelief and sadness.

“I can’t even describe what I’m feeling right now. This violence has to stop,” Hayes said, her voice trembling. “Deglin was a good kid. He was always helping his neighbors, always smiling, and now he’s gone. His family doesn’t deserve this, and the community doesn’t deserve this.”

In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders and local activists have called for an urgent response to the ongoing violence. Pastor Marcus Thomas of the East End Faith Community expressed deep concern over the rising gun violence in the city.

“We have to do more to protect our young people and to make sure no more lives are taken from us in such a senseless way,” Pastor Thomas stated in a press conference the morning after the shooting. “This isn’t just a crime. This is a deep wound in our community. We must stand together to prevent any more families from experiencing the heartbreak that the St. Clair family is going through right now.”

In addition to calls for justice for St. Clair, many local organizations have renewed their push for more community intervention programs, youth mentorship initiatives, and gun violence prevention efforts. Advocates for these programs believe that investing in education, mentorship, and mental health resources for young people could help reduce violence and offer a path to healing for troubled youth in at-risk neighborhoods.

Deglin St. Clair’s family has been left devastated by his untimely death. His mother, father, and siblings have asked for privacy as they mourn their loss, but they have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the community.

In an emotional statement released by the family, they wrote, “Deglin was our light, our joy, and our hope for the future. His potential was limitless, and we cannot begin to understand why something like this could happen to him. We are asking for justice, but we are also asking for peace in our community. Our family is broken, and we don’t want anyone else to feel the pain we are feeling right now.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, and community members are also organizing memorial services and candlelight vigils to honor St. Clair’s memory.

Investigation and Next Steps
The Pittsburgh Police Department and Allegheny County Homicide Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, whether through formal channels or anonymous tips.

While there is still much to learn about the motive behind the attack, the St. Clair family and the Wilkinsburg-Larimer communities are united in their call for justice and healing. The loss of a young life so full of potential has brought to light the broader issue of gun violence and the need for community-focused solutions to prevent further tragedies.

As the investigation continues, the community of Wilkinsburg and Larimer is preparing to say their final goodbyes to Deglin St. Clair, a young man whose life was cut short far too soon. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him — a reminder of the promise that was extinguished far too early, and a call to action for change in the neighborhoods he called home.

Rest in peace, Deglin. Your spirit, your smile, and your bright future will never be forgotten.