On the night of September 11, 2023, eleven gunshots were reported in the 2200 block of Webster Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert just before 11 p.m. and found two men with fatal gunshot wounds: 37-year-old Jawan Montae Palmer and 43-year-old Dean Marbury. Palmer was taken to a hospital by private means but died of his injuries; Marbury was found at the scene with fatal wounds to his head and neck. A third person was also wounded in the incident and arrived at the hospital in critical condition.

Investigators say the two men had clashed a month earlier at Jay’s Lounge on Webster Avenue, where Palmer worked as a security guard. During that August confrontation Marbury reportedly reached for his waistband, a guard fired, and Marbury returned fire, injuring bystanders and two guards, including Palmer. Marbury was arrested after the August shooting and released on bond; Palmer’s family believes the September attack was retaliation. The investigation into the double homicide remains open.

If anyone knew Palmer, Marbury, or witnessed either shooting, or has information about the September 11 incident, please come forward.