Tempers Flare At Strip Shooting Inquest

The grandmother of a man who was shot by off-duty police officers outside a Strip District nightclub confronted a witness to the incident during a coroner's inquest Friday.

The woman, who would not give her name to WTAE-TV, told Richard Helbling that he was responsible for the death of Michael Platt, 28, outside Banana Joe's on July 29.

Helbling had testified earlier that Platt was shot by police after shooting at them and refusing their orders to put down his gun. Helbling also said that he struggled with Platt for control of the weapon before Platt fired the shots.

Patrick Moore, 29, of Pittsburgh was killed by one of the bullets.

More than 20 witnesses are expected to testify as the inquest continues Friday at the Allegheny County Courthouse, WTAE's Bob Mayo reports.

Previous Stories:

• August 31, 2000: Passengers Testify In Strip Shooting
• August 31, 2000: Strip District Killing Inquest Being Held
• August 01, 2000: Police: Strip Shooting Isn't Typical
• July 29, 2000: Shooting In Strip District Leaves 2 Dead