Man, 19, charged in death of woman found lying in middle of Pittsburgh street

PITTSBURGH — A 19-year-old man has been charged in the death of a woman found last week lying in the middle of a street in Pittsburgh’s Knoxville neighborhood.

According to the criminal complaint filed against Russell Spence, Shanique Saunders, 23, got a jitney ride Nov. 30 to do some errands, including shopping for Christmas presents.

VIDEO: Woman found lying in street with gunshot wound dies at Pittsburgh hospital

At some point Saunders asked the driver to pick up her friend, Spence, and there was an argument between them over money, snitching and chains, the complaint said.

The jitney driver told police the two were driven around to various places, including the South Side and McKinley Park. The driver added that the pair got out to smoke marijuana at one point, the complaint stated.

According to the complaint, the driver told police as he was pulling up to McKinley Street in Knoxville, he heard the gunshot and then Spence pointed the gun at him. The driver said he saw "smoke coming from the barrel of the gun,” the complaint said.

The complaint said Spence pushed Saunders out of the front seat of the car, stood over her body, rummaged through her pockets for money and then ran off.

Authorities found Saunders lying in the street around 1:45 p.m. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 2:14 p.m.

Saunders’ loved ones have taken to social media, expressing their shock over her death. Her girlfriend posted a picture, with the caption, “Please tell me this is a dream.”

Another friend posted about Saunders, saying, “You will be missed.”

Saunders’ mother told Channel 11 News Wednesday night that justice will be served.

Cox Media Group