McKEESPORT, Pa. -- Allegheny County police said Derrick Smith, a 19-year-old Turtle Creek man, was shot and killed on the afternoon of Nov. 2 while visiting family in McKeesport.
On Friday, a homicide warrant was issued for 18-year-old Vernon "Skip" Rodgers, who police described as black, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and 145 pounds. Police said he was last known to have shoulder-length braided hair and has sometimes been described as looking feminine.
Police said that Rodgers is originally from the McKeesport area and may still be there, and that he is also known to frequent local hotels.
Smith was shot in the head in the 1600 block of Sixth Avenue and flown to UPMC Presbyterian, where he died in an operating room, police said.
Detectives have not discussed a motive for the killing, nor have they said what evidence led them to identify Rodgers as a suspect.
Anyone who has information regarding Rodgers' whereabouts is asked to call county homicide detectives at
412-473-1300.
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