Pittsburgh-Area Man Shot And Killed Brother: Authorities

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Pittsburgh-area man has been charged with shooting and killing his brother during an altercation last weekend at a social club.

According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office, New Kensington police were called to the Elks Lodge on 3rd Avenue just before 3 a.m. on Saturday for a reported shooting.

Arriving officers found Jeffrey Ballard, 46, suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Witnesses told investigators an altercation occurred inside of the bar between two men. One of the men was escorted out of the bar and moments later, shots were fired outside of the club.

A search warrant was executed on the lodge’s surveillance video and was reviewed by detectives.

A witness who was outside when the altercation occurred observed a man with dreadlocks and the lodge’s bouncer assaulting another man in the parking lot area beside the club, according to investigators.

Police said the witness saw the man with dreadlocks pull a handgun from his sock and began striking the the other man in the head with the firearm.

While the male with the dreadlocks was striking the male on the ground, the witness told police the firearm discharged and struck the bouncer, Jeffrey Ballard, in the leg.

The assault subsequently ended and the parties outside dispersed.

Ballard died due to exsanguination due to a gunshot wound to the upper left thigh and his death was ruled a homicide.

The male described with dreadlocks involved in the altercation and assault was identified as
Steffon Ballard,the brother of Jeffrey Ballard.

Steffon Ballard, 38, has been charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and possession of firearm prohibited.

There are several active arrest warrants issued for Ballard. Anyone who knows his whereabouts, you are asked to call 911 or New Kensington Police.