Renee Gill Obituary, Death – A deadly home invasion in Washington County, Pennsylvania, left a woman dead and her son injured early Sunday morning, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
The victim was identified as 37-year-old Renee Gill. Authorities say the incident happened around 1:15 a.m. at a home on Eleanor Street in Smith Township, near Burgettstown. Multiple masked men dressed in black reportedly forced their way into the house without permission. Once inside, they became involved in a confrontation with Gill.
During the altercation, Gill’s adult son, believed to be in his early 20s, attempted to help his mother. At that point, one of the intruders pulled out a firearm and shot both Gill and her son. Renee Gill died at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency responders. Her son was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive his injuries.
Investigators are still working to determine the relationship between the victims and the suspects. Trooper Rocco Gagliardi of the Pennsylvania State Police said it appears the intruders may have known the victims or had some prior knowledge of the home. “There has to be some sort of connection,” Gagliardi explained, suggesting the relationship could be personal, professional, or family-related.
The suspects fled before officers arrived. Authorities are now trying to determine the direction and method of their escape. Police have not yet released descriptions beyond noting that all suspects wore masks and black clothing.
State police said they received useful information during 911 calls placed by both Gill and her son during the attack. Trooper Gagliardi noted that Gill was able to speak with dispatchers despite her injuries, and her communication provided valuable details about the situation and potential clues. Investigators are analyzing background sounds from the call that may assist the investigation.
Plans were initially made to airlift one of the victims to a hospital, but poor weather conditions prevented a helicopter from taking off, according to emergency dispatchers.
Gill’s younger son was also present in the home at the time of the incident. Thankfully, he was not harmed in the attack.
The shooting has deeply impacted the local neighborhood. Ernest Westerhoff Sr., a neighbor who knew the family, expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. “I’m crushed more than anything,” he said. “I just don’t know, man, I’m lost.”
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public. However, the search for the suspects continues, and anyone with information is urged to come forward.
The Pennsylvania State Police and local investigators are actively working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the home invasion and shooting.
