Alfred Anthony Arnell Diggs was a kind-hearted and dedicated young man with a contagious smile that touched everyone he met. Born in Pittsburgh on April 4, 1995, to Felicia Barbara DeLoach and Alfred Delaney Diggs III, he was known for his compassion and concern for others. Alfred was educated in the Pittsburgh Public School system and later attended Edinboro University, where he majored in Sports Management. He applied his focus and dedication to his work at the VA Hospital and the Oakmont Personal Health Care System. A resident of the city's Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood, Alfred was a beloved son, brother, and community member.
Alfred's greatest passion was football, a sport he began playing at the tender age of four and continued until he was 17. His love for the game did not end when he stopped playing. He channeled his knowledge and enthusiasm back into his community, becoming a coach for the Lincoln Lemington LA Rams youth football team. As a coach, he was instrumental in guiding the team to its first championship in twenty years, a testament to his superb coaching skills and his commitment to mentoring young players. His legacy in the Homewood community was cemented by this historic win and the positive influence he had on the children he trained.
The evening of Wednesday, January 25, 2017, turned tragic in Pittsburgh's Westwood neighborhood. Shortly after 7 p.m., Pittsburgh Police Zone 6 officers responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Kiski Way and Bartow Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 21-year-old Alfred Diggs suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics were dispatched to the scene and quickly transported him to Allegheny General Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, Alfred succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office later confirmed his cause of death as homicide by multiple gunshot wounds. The news of his sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through his family and the communities he had touched through his life and work.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police launched a homicide investigation into Alfred's death. In the immediate aftermath, police processed the scene on Kiski Way and Bartow Street, but no arrests were made. The investigation was handled by the Violent Crime Unit, which urged the public to come forward with any information that could lead to identifying a suspect. Authorities have not publicly released details about a potential motive or any persons of interest in the years since the shooting.
Alfred's family and friends mourned their profound loss. Visitation was held on February 1, 2017, followed by a funeral service the next day at the House of Law, Inc. in Penn Hills. He was remembered as a cherished son to Alfred Diggs III and Felicia DeLoach, and a brother to Amerika, Delanei, Paris, London, and Rylan. In his obituary, loved ones recalled his unforgettable smile and the deep compassion he showed for others.
Years have passed since Alfred Diggs was killed, and his case remains unsolved. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, and his killer remains at large. The investigation is ongoing, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police continues to seek assistance from the community. Anyone with information regarding the shooting of Alfred Diggs is asked to contact the Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800. Callers can remain anonymous.