Police issue arrest warrant, file charges in fatal shooting at Monroeville Mall

Allegheny County Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a man believed to have shot and killed a 20-year-old at the Monroeville Mall.

Lawrence Mark Murphy, who police believe is from the Braddock area, is believed to have shot Saheed Gayle, 20, in the torso just outside the entrance to Party City at the Monroeville Mall on Oct. 7.

Police said Gayle was shot around 1:30 p.m. after the two got into an argument. Monroeville Chief of Police Doug Cole said three people were involved and that they all knew each other. First responders found Gayle lying on the floor of an entrance to the mall. Police said they believe he was shot in the parking lot and that he crawled inside the entrance.

Gayle of Pittsburgh was taken to Forbes Hospital shortly after the shooting, where he later died.

County police said Murphy has been charged with criminal homicide and weapons violations, but court records do not reflect any charges related to the shooting. Lt. Venerando Costa, with Allegheny County police, said charges were filed but the Columbus Day holiday is likely causing a delay in court records appearing online.

Police described Murphy as a thin, Black man who stands at 6 feet, 2 inches tall. Investigators encourage anyone with information about his whereabouts to call the Allegheny County Police tip line at 1-833-255-8477.

Some witnesses on the scene said they saw two men and a woman arguing in the parking lot. One of the men held a gun. As they hurried to their vehicles for safety, they heard two shots and saw a man fall to the ground.