‘He was one of the most loyal people’: Loved ones remember man shot, killed in North Braddock

BRADDOCK, Pa. — A man was shot and killed over the weekend in North Braddock while his home was allegedly being burglarized.

Someone called dispatchers just after 3 p.m. Saturday to report gunshots on Beech Street.

Theodore B. Jones, 52, was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation.

“Loyal. He was one of the most loyal people,” said Jones' best friend, Jim Reddy Jr.

There aren’t enough words to truly describe Jones. Those who knew him called him Ted.

“He was always doing fundraisers, always donating his time, his money, his energy, his skilled labor,” Reddy said. “He was a huge Steelers fan. We’ve gone to over 100 games together in Pittsburgh and on the road.”

Jones was also a devoted father, loving brother, an Army veteran and, for Reddy, a friend for more than 30 years.

“Huge hole, huge hole in my life as a friend. I’m going to be lost for a while,” Reddy said. “He would be at my house for Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years. It’s just a very, very big void. A very big loss.”

They were supposed to hang out Saturday evening.

“Got off the phone. He said, ‘I love you, my dude. I’ll see ya later.’ Um, yeah. That was the last word he said to me,” Reddy said.

One hour later, Reddy knew something was wrong when he called Jones but didn’t get an answer.

“I called his daughter. And soon as she answered, I could tell in the tone of her voice — fear, scared, crying. And she said, ‘I don’t know what happened. Police just contacted me.’ His sister, Teddy’s sister, was picking her up, and they were on their way to Mercy,” Reddy said.

Jones didn’t make it.

“Come to find out he came home and found someone in the midst of burglarizing his home. Apparently, he was shot several times and wasn’t able to survive his injuries,” Reddy said.

Family and friends are desperate for answers. They are begging anyone who has information to call police.

“I really just want the people caught,” Reddy said. “They took an amazing man. A guy that would’ve given you the shirt off the back. If they would’ve said, ‘Give me your money,’ he would’ve given them the money and shaken their hand.”

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-800-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

Here’s how you can help the family.

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