Brownsville slaying probed
BROWNSVILLE – One man was killed an another was critically injured in a reported fight at a Brownsville nightspot early Sunday morning. According to a report from state police in Belle Vernon, Robert Bristol, 24, of Monessen was fatally stabbed in an altercation at the Brownsville Hotel at the intersection Market Street and Fifth Avenue.
He was transported to Brownsville Hospital and pronounced dead there at 2:15 a.m., state police said.
Another man, Wilfredo Smith, 29, of Uniontown suffered a gunshot wound in the back during the incident, state police said.
He was flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh Hospital for treatment of his injuries, state police said.
No report on Smith’s condition was available Sunday night.
State police, who were asked by Brownsville police officials to take over the investigation of the incident, said Brownsville police were dispatched to the Brownsville Hotel to break up a fight reportedly involving a large crowd.
As Brownsville police arrived at the scene, officers heard what they thought to be gunshots from the rear of the business, state police said.
Brownsville police officer Autumn Fike went to the back of the building and discovered Smith lying in the parking lot with a gunshot wound in the back, state police said.
During the course of the investigation, Fike learned that Bristol had been stabbed before police arrived at the scene, state police said.
State police are continuing to investigate the incident with the help of the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office.
Contacted Sunday evening about the investigation, Fayette County District Attorney Nancy Vernon said the probe is focusing on one suspect.
Vernon declined further comment on the case.