Tragedy in Wilkinsburg: 18-Year-Old Deglin St. Clair Fatally Shot, Investigation Ongoing
WILKINSBURG, PA — A wave of grief swept through the communities of Wilkinsburg and Larimer on Wednesday evening, June 18, as news broke of a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a young man full of promise. Authorities have identified the victim as 18-year-old Deglin St. Clair, a resident of the Larimer neighborhood in Pittsburgh’s East End.
The Allegheny County Police Department said dispatchers received a call reporting a shooting in the 1400 block of Wesley Street at approximately 5:28 p.m. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they found St. Clair suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
A Community Left Reeling
For those who knew Deglin, the tragedy is almost too much to bear. Just 18 years old, he was known to many in Larimer as a respectful and soft-spoken young man with aspirations to build a better future for himself. Friends say he had recently graduated from high school and was looking into job opportunities, hopeful about the path ahead.
“This young man had his whole life ahead of him,” said a local resident who knew Deglin’s family. “He wasn’t involved in trouble. He was trying to do right. Now he’s just gone, and we don’t know why.”
The shooting happened in broad daylight, in a quiet residential area just blocks away from where children often play and neighbors regularly gather. The sudden eruption of violence has left residents shaken and searching for answers.
Ongoing Investigation
As of the latest update, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified. Investigators with the Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit are actively working the case. They are canvassing the area for witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detectives have not yet released details about a possible motive, nor have they confirmed whether St. Clair was specifically targeted or a victim of random violence.
“We are asking for the public’s help in bringing justice to this young man and his grieving family,” said an ACPD spokesperson. “If you saw anything or know something — no matter how small it may seem — please contact our tip line.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (255-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.
Family and Friends in Mourning
The death of Deglin St. Clair has sent shockwaves through his family and friends. His mother, devastated by the loss, described her son as “her heart” — a boy who loved music, laughed often, and always looked out for others.
“He was a good kid. He didn’t deserve this,” she said through tears. “He had dreams. He talked about going to trade school, about starting his own business one day. Someone took that away from him, and from all of us.”
Neighbors have already begun to create a makeshift memorial near the site of the shooting, laying flowers, candles, and handwritten messages in honor of Deglin’s life.
A Call to Action
Community leaders and anti-violence advocates are calling for unity and urgency in addressing the escalating gun violence in Allegheny County and its surrounding neighborhoods.
“This can’t just be another name. Deglin deserves justice. His family deserves peace,” said Rev. Timothy Grier, who works with youth in Wilkinsburg. “We need to do more to protect our young people — not just with police patrols, but with opportunities, with support, with healing.”
The killing marks yet another tragic chapter in a region that has seen a troubling number of youth homicides in recent years. According to local advocacy groups, more resources are needed to combat gun violence and provide safe environments for teens to thrive.
Remembering Deglin St. Clair
As the investigation continues, those who loved Deglin are left to grapple with the gaping hole left in his absence. A candlelight vigil is being planned in Wilkinsburg in the coming days, with the community invited to stand together in mourning and in strength.
Deglin St. Clair is remembered not only for the tragic way in which his life was taken, but for the kind of person he was becoming — compassionate, curious, and determined to make a better life for himself and those he cared about.
His story, like too many others, is a painful reminder of the lives cut short before they’ve truly begun — and of the urgent need for change.
If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Anonymous tips are welcome.
