Erica Vail, a 43-year-old Black mother of three from Braddock, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot on July 16, 2023, after a neighborhood dispute on the 500 block of Corey Avenue escalated into a physical confrontation. Reports indicate the argument began over children playing in the street, grew into a fight involving roughly six to ten people, and ended when about five or six gunshots were fired. Vail was struck in the abdomen and later pronounced dead at UPMC Mercy Hospital at approximately 8:20 p.m.

The Braddock Police Department did not respond because there were no officers on duty at the time; an Allegheny County Housing Authority officer arrived first and Pennsylvania State Police took over the investigation. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage, searched for forensic evidence, and focused on a vehicle believed to have been used by the shooter to leave the scene; authorities thought the vehicle was a rental. Investigators also said the suspected shooter was likely someone who knew Vail and who regularly spent time in the area. No suspect had been publicly identified in connection with the killing as of the latest reports.

Vail’s family said she had intervened to protect her child; friends remembered her as outspoken, loving and caring. If anyone has information about the shooting on Corey Avenue or the vehicle seen leaving the scene, please come forward.