Attorney Casey White has seen youth violence surge. Since the North Hills native launched his career 13 years ago as a criminal defense lawyer in Pittsburgh, he has witnessed gun violence involving children and teens grow exponentially. He said he has never had as many juvenile clients in jail awaiting
Timothy Whitfield had nothing to say. The Pittsburgh teen accepted a plea deal Wednesday morning for murdering Central Catholic High School student Jafar Brooks, then 15, almost three years ago outside a Penn Hills apartment complex. Whitfield, now 19, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, robbery and conspiracy with a series
The state Senate aide and community worker announced Wednesday he is running for the special election in the 24th state House district, which ranges from Wilkinsburg through the eastern Pittsburgh neighborhoods like Homewood, Garfield, Highland Park and East Liberty.
In Arabic, the name Jafar means “rain or water that comes from heaven.”
The words came from Khalid Samad, an activist from Cleveland who came to Homewood on Friday to pay his respects during a dedication to the young Jafar Brooks, who died Dec. 15 after being gunned down in Penn Hills.
The shooting is under investigation by Allegheny County police, who have yet to make arrests.
Although the heavens held off on the rain Friday afternoon, those who attended a dedication to remember Brooks on the cold, gray day came prepared to shower love on him. Dozens of friends, family, coaches and teachers came to Homewood’s Community Empowerment Association to hear eulogies from those who knew him.
Courtesy of Central Catholic High School
Jafar Brooks’ 2020 photo at Central Catholic High School.
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Those who knew Jafar Brooks were lost for words in the days following the teenager’s untimely death.
“There are no words, you can’t describe this feeling. When you love someone, ain’t no words to make them feel better,” said Rashad Byrdsong, grandfather of the Churchill teen who was fatally shot earlier this week.
Byrdsong and his wife, Amargie Davis, have worked together for 30 years trying to prevent the fate met by their grandson. Brooks, 15, was found dead by police in Penn Hills early Tuesday morning after a shooting along the 1900 block of Garden Drive.