Man shot dead; gunman turns gun on himself
A Uniontown man was shot dead Saturday morning during a domestic dispute in a Pershing Court apartment, and two city police officers saw the alleged assailant shoot and kill himself as they approached the residence. Darnell Poole, 25, of 40 Carlisle St. allegedly fired three shots that killed Gerald Cook, 30, of 26 Pershing Terrace, Bierer Wood Acres, before turning the gun on himself moments after officers David Rutter and Eric Hanula arrived.
Poole was pronounced dead at the scene, and Cook was pronounced dead at Uniontown Hospital at 7:40 a.m.
Although results from autopsies, toxicology tests, crime lab tests and coroner’s inquests are pending, police said they believe the incident was a homicide-suicide that stemmed from a domestic disturbance in which Poole allegedly assaulted LeAnna Settles in her apartment, Uniontown Detective Phillip Jones said.
He said Poole was the father of Settles’ children, but the kids were not home at the time.
“The investigation is ongoing, but it appears it was an apparent homicide-suicide, according to witness statements,” Jones said, noting that he does not anticipate making any arrests in the case.
He said police were aware of several domestic incidents involving the same three people during the last few months.
“Our hearts go out to the families of both victims,” Police Chief Kyle Sneddon said. “There were a tragic set of circumstances, but all the law enforcement agencies worked well together. I just wish it would have had a positive outcome.”
The circumstances that led to the shooting started during a 5 a.m. disturbance.
According to police, Settles alleged that Poole pushed her onto a couch and held her there, but she had no visible signs of an assault. Officers responded, but Poole and Cook had already fled.
Jones said Cook was the first to return to Settles’ apartment, and then Poole arrived and let himself in with a key.
Cook and Poole reportedly began to argue, and police were dispatched at 5:41 a.m. Cook already had been shot when the officers arrived, according to police.
Rutter and Hanula said they heard Settles scream “put it down” as they approached the front door. Settles ran outside when the officers reached the door, and from there they turned on their flashlights and saw Poole shoot himself and fall to the ground, police said.
They said they heard Cook asking for help from inside the apartment and found him lying on the floor. Uniontown Fireman’s EMS responded and took him to the hospital.
Sneddon said state police and Fayette Coroner Dr. Phillip E. Reilly also assisted at the scene. Jones said autopsies were scheduled for Saturday night in Pittsburgh.
The 9mm handgun Poole used was not reported stolen, but he was not the registered owner, Jones said.
Police said Poole recently was released from state prison after serving a sentence for a conviction on drug charges.