AMBRIDGE, Pa. — A suspect is in custody following a tragic double homicide that claimed the lives of Andre Littles, 54, of Pittsburgh, and Ashley Anne Delucca, 38, of Ambridge, early Sunday morning, according to the Ambridge Police Department.
Police reported that officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Locust Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. after receiving multiple calls reporting gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers were met by a witness who stated that the shots appeared to have originated from inside a nearby residence.
Officers entered the home to investigate and discovered two victims—a man and a woman—both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency response efforts, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, marking a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves through the Ambridge community.
The victims were later identified as Andre Littles and Ashley Anne Delucca. News of their deaths has left family members, friends, and neighbors grappling with grief and disbelief as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Investigators quickly developed a suspect and issued a regional alert to surrounding law enforcement agencies. Several hours later, at approximately 8:37 a.m., the Ohio State Highway Patrol notified Ambridge police that the suspect had been located following a vehicle crash in Zanesville, Ohio.
The suspect was identified as Howard James Thomas Jr., 39, of Ambridge. Authorities stated that Thomas was transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and treatment following the crash before being formally taken into custody. He was arrested on an active warrant charging him with two counts of homicide.
Ambridge Mayor Tina Iorfido-Schmidt released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life. The mayor extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of both victims and reassured residents that there is no ongoing threat to the community. She also praised the swift and coordinated response of police officers, first responders, and investigators, commending their professionalism and dedication during a deeply difficult situation.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and that no danger to the public exists at this time. However, the investigation remains active as detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events that led up to the violence and the relationship between those involved.
As the community mourns, residents are urged to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts during this painful time. Authorities have stated that updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
This remains an ongoing investigation.
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