MCKEES ROCKS, PA – A months-long manhunt across Allegheny County ended Friday with the arrest of a man accused of unleashing a wave of violence on his pregnant ex-girlfriend—an ordeal that included beatings, a daring escape, gunfire, and the kidnapping of a small child.
Authorities allege that 24-year-old Justin Daugherty burst back into the life of his former partner in late August, days after being released from jail for previous domestic violence. The confrontation, which began in a McKees Rocks apartment, quickly spiraled into a terrifying episode of control and brutality.
According to investigators, emotions boiled over after Daugherty learned of his ex-girlfriend’s new relationship—and that she was expecting a baby with her new partner. Fueled by anger, police say Daugherty launched into a series of assaults, repeatedly punching the woman in the abdomen over several days while refusing to allow her to leave or seek medical attention.
The victim’s ordeal escalated as she secretly reached out for help, contacting her boyfriend for a rescue attempt. When her boyfriend and his friend arrived, they found themselves caught in Daugherty’s crosshairs. Police say gunfire erupted, leaving one man wounded, while Daugherty unleashed fresh threats and violence.
Grabbing both the woman and her 1-year-old daughter, Daugherty forced them into his car and sped away. Investigators say he warned his victim against speaking to the police, vowing even greater harm if she dared. Yet even while under duress, the woman managed to quietly dial 911, allowing authorities to pinpoint their location.
Despite this, Daugherty disappeared into the shadows, evading law enforcement for nearly three months. The trail ran cold until detectives uncovered a lead: reports placed Daugherty at a residence in nearby Stowe Township.
Officers prepared for the arrest early Friday morning, surrounding the property. Police say Daugherty attempted a desperate escape, trying to slip out through a ground-floor window. Seconds later, they detained him without further resistance after he appeared upstairs, ending weeks of uncertainty for the victim and her family.
Court records depict Daugherty as a repeat offender, with a history of violence towards the same woman. The list of current charges is staggering—spanning aggravated assault on an unborn child, multiple counts of kidnapping, weapons violations, and endangering the welfare of children, among others.
Daugherty was booked into Allegheny County Jail, held without bail pending a preliminary hearing slated for November 18. The survivor and her child are reported safe and are receiving support, according to officials.
Meanwhile, the case highlights the unpredictable danger posed by domestic violence offenders and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to protect vulnerable victims—even when fear and intimidation threaten to keep them silent. Police say their rapid intervention, aided by the victim’s urgent 911 call, was critical in eventually tracking down the fugitive and moving toward justice in the case.