Ambridge, Pennsylvania — The investigation into a double homicide that rocked a Beaver County community is ongoing, with new details emerging about the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Authorities reported that two individuals, a man and a woman, were fatally shot in a home while children were present.
According to a criminal complaint, the shooting stemmed from a heated argument. Local residents expressed their disbelief, noting how such violence is uncommon in their neighborhood. “It’s shocking. We never see anything like this, especially here,” remarked neighbor Eduardo Hayek.
The shooting occurred early Sunday morning, around 2:30 a.m. A 15-year-old girl who was inside the residence reached out to a sibling living elsewhere to report that shots had been fired. When law enforcement arrived at the scene on Locust Street, they heard screams coming from the basement. Upon entering, officers discovered an 11-year-old boy who indicated he had heard gunfire above, which claimed the lives of 54-year-old Andre Littles and 38-year-old Ashley DeLucca.
Investigators noted that a neighbor emerged from their home after hearing the shots, only to find the suspect, 39-year-old Howard Thomas, firing at their residence as they retreated inside. Court documents reveal that DeLucca had arranged for an Uber to bring Littles and the children to her home. The children later told authorities they spent several hours in the basement, listening to escalating arguments among DeLucca, Littles, Thomas, and another unidentified individual.
Neighbors recounted past disturbances involving the household, stating that they had heard arguments and had seen police respond to the home on previous occasions. “We thought the situation had been resolved, but we didn’t know it would escalate like this,” Hayek added.
Following the incident, Thomas was taken into custody after a car crash in Zanesville, Ohio. Reports indicate he sustained injuries during the incident and was treated at a local hospital. As the investigation progresses, questions remain about when he will be extradited back to Pennsylvania to face charges.
The community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, reflecting on the lives lost and the impact of violence in their neighborhood. While the investigation continues, residents hope for answers and healing in the wake of such a heartbreaking event.