News

Wilkinsburg mass shooting survivor says people responsible ‘have to answer to God’

WILKINSBURG, Pa. — One of the survivors of the Wilkinsburg mass shooting said the people responsible will have to answer to God.

John Ellis was paralyzed from the March 2016 shooting at a cookout on Franklin Avenue that took the life of five people and an unborn baby.

You can customize your WPXI News App to receive Allegheny County news alerts. CLICK HERE to find out how.

A jury found suspect Cheron Shelton not guilty on Friday.

His co-defendant, Robert Thomas, had the charges against him dismissed due to a lack of evidence minutes before the trial began earlier this month.

"I was an innocent bystander at a cookout. The only person they'll have to answer to, if they did do it, is God," Ellis said.

Ellis told Channel 11 he never met Shelton or Thomas. Now his focus is on staying healthy and adjusting to his new life.

But he also is holding out hope that one day there will be justice.

“Whoever did it, I hope they get caught,” Ellis said. “You can’t walk scot-free all of your life. Something’s going to happen.”

Here’s more of that interview:


PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

  • Exclusive Interview: Witness in Wilkinsburg mass shooting case claims investigators paid him to fabricate information
  • All charges dismissed against 1 of 2 suspects in Wilkinsburg mass shooting
  • Not guilty: Jury reaches verdict during 4th day of deliberations in Wilkinsburg mass shooting trial
  • Witness in Wilkinsburg mass shooting allegedly confesses to baby’s death in another case
  • Attorneys call for charges to be dropped against Wilkinsburg mass shooting suspects
  • Shelton defense attorneys: Witness was paid by prosecutors to fabricate information
  • Mass shooting suspect’s acquittal the latest lost case for Allegheny Co. DA’s office
  • Both sides wrap up closing arguments in case of accused Wilkinsburg shooter
  • VIDEO: Credibility of key witness could have major impact on Wilkinsburg mass shooting trial
  • DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts

  • 0