AMBRIDGE, Pa. — A tranquil neighborhood in Ambridge is reeling following a double homicide that occurred early Sunday morning. Residents were unaware of the unfolding tragedy just outside their doors until it was too late.
Emergency services discovered a man and a woman shot multiple times inside a residence on Locust Street. Authorities reported that two teenagers, who are relatives of the victims, were present in the home during the incident. Those young individuals are reportedly shaken but cooperating with law enforcement.
Ambridge Police Chief John DeLuca emphasized the importance of community reassurance, stating that there is no ongoing threat to local residents and that the shooting appears to be an isolated event. “It’s a tragic situation,” DeLuca added. “We want the people of Ambridge to feel safe and know that we are investigating thoroughly.”
The victims have been identified as 38-year-old Ashley Anne Delucca and 54-year-old Andre Littles. The alleged shooter, identified as 39-year-old Howard James Thomas, lives at the same address as Delucca and has been taken into custody in Ohio. Following a police bulletin, Ohio Highway Patrol located Thomas near Zanesville after he was involved in a vehicle crash. Sources indicate he sustained serious injuries and was transported to Genesis Hospital for treatment.
Neighbors expressed shock and dismay at the violence so close to home. Tobias Peck, a local resident and parent, shared his concerns about the impact on children. “It’s really difficult for the kids to process knowing someone was killed so violently,” Peck said, highlighting the unsettling nature of the event on their otherwise peaceful street.
DeLuca reassured the community that investigators are diligently working to piece together the details surrounding the incident. “We’re going door to door, speaking to residents to gather any information that might aid our investigation,” he noted.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, residents are left to navigate their feelings of disbelief and fear, wondering how to move forward in the wake of such violence.