Woman charged after allegedly shooting, killing boyfriend in Cranberry Township

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A local woman is behind bars after police said she shot her boyfriend multiple times in Cranberry Township over the weekend.

According to Cranberry Township police, officers were dispatched to Brandywine Drive on Feb. 12 at around 12:10 a.m. for reports of a disturbance.

A female caller, identified as Amanda Hughes, 26, told dispatch that she fired a weapon when she ran from her home and that she was at a neighbor’s house, where she ran for help.

“She stated that she had been punched and hit several times prior to the shooting,” said Lt. Chuck Mascellino.

Hughes told police that she shot her boyfriend, 30-year-old Anthony Smith, and fled her home.

According to the complaint, Hughes said Smith punched her in the face and head causing her to fall. Then she grabbed the gun from her purse and shot him several times. Police said Hughes had a small cut and swelling on her cheek. Her hand was also bruised.

According to police, initial observations at the scene appeared to contradict Hughes’ statements.

Police said they haven’t been called to this home for anything before.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a gun in the driveway of the neighbor’s house.

Some neighbors told Channel 11 the shooting is scary and shocking.

“It’s the last thing you would expect in a family-oriented neighborhood,” said neighbor John Corredo. “When I woke up, I noticed there was a police car over there and a van and I had no idea what was going on.”

According to police, Smith was found inside the house after being shot four times. He was taken to UPMC Cranberry and flown to Allegheny General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Cranberry Township police said this is the first homicide involving a firearm the department is investigating in more than 10 years.

“Most of Cranberry is quiet so this is unusual for us,” said Lt. Mascellino.

Hughes is charged with one count of criminal homicide. She’s currently being held at the Butler County Prison.

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