Maleek Thomas was 18 when he was shot and killed on the night of June 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Family members recalled him as smart, witty, well-raised and respectful; he had been filmed skipping with joy at his high school graduation just six days earlier at Pittsburgh Milliones, a photo from that day showing his mother’s pride.

According to investigators, the fatal encounter began when a young man outside an apartment on Chauncy Drive was throwing rocks and sticks at a second-floor window because the music inside was too loud. Maleek had been in a courtyard across the street with another person and approached to ask who the man was. The man pulled on a ski mask, produced a 9mm handgun, and shot Maleek. He was taken to a hospital and died shortly after arrival.

Police identified 18-year-old Shaun Scott as a suspect, matched surveillance footage to him, and found a 9mm handgun and matching clothing during a separate arrest. Scott admitted to being at the scene and firing the gun, claiming self-defense; he faced charges of criminal homicide and firearms offenses and was held at the Allegheny County Jail. Anyone who knew Maleek or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.