ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — A passerby came across the body of a local Marine and father of two laying in a pool of his own blood Wednesday morning on the side of the road in Aliquippa, police told Channel 11 News.
Sjavante Gilliam, 28, was found along McMinn Street around 6 a.m. after a passerby noticed his body on a sidewalk, Aliquippa police Capt. Ryan Pudick said.%
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Sources close to the investigation told Channel 11 News that Gilliam was shot once.
Channel 11’s Amy Marcinkiewicz learned that Gilliam, a father of two, served as a sniper with the U.S. Marines and was awarded a Purple Heart for his service.
Detectives said they believe Gilliam, who was well known in the community because he coached youth football, was shot on the street. Officers canvassed the neighborhood, looking for witnesses and any surveillance cameras along the block.
According to a close relative, the father of two returned to Aliquippa nearly one year ago.
"He was well-loved, sadly missed, but never forgotten," said Leonard Johnson of Aliquippa.
Police spent hours looking through Gilliam's car after finding it on Irwin Street, just a mile away from where his body was found in Aliquippa.
Gilliam was coaching youth football in his spare time before his death.
Authorities said they have compiled a list of possible suspects and they’re investigating it as a homicide.
“We're urging the public if they know anything or they saw anything, please get a hold of us,” Pudick said.
Police said they’re also talking to Gilliam’s family and friends to figure out why he was in the area and where he was going.