Search continues for shooter in auto parts shop slaying
Police continue to search for the person who fatally shot a worker at an auto parts store in Westmoreland County.
Authorities identified Drew Molinari, 34, of Belle Vernon as the victim of the shooting Monday in Rostraver Township. Molinari, who lives in Belle Vernon, was a graduate of Brownsville Area High School in Fayette County.
The shooting occurred at Minniti Motor Sports, according to the Westmoreland County coroner’s office. The call came in just before 8:15 a.m., a county 911 dispatch supervisor said.
Molinari worked at the business.
Rostraver Township police are spearheading the investigation. Police have not released a motive for the shooting, but said they are in the process of reviewing video surveillance footage, and serving search warrants as part of the investigation.
The coroner’s office said unknown individual shot Molinari multiple times.
Deputy Coroner John A. Ackerman pronounced Molinari dead at the scene around 9:30 a.m. Monday. An autopsy will be performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht.
The coroner’s office said the cause and manner of death will be pending autopsy and toxicology results and further investigation.
Only Molinari and Joe Minniti, who owns the business, were there at the time. Minniti was in the back and didn’t see the shooting, but has told police he heard Molinari yelling as he was shot, according to officials.
Police have not said if the suspect ran away or drove off.
Chuck Stephenson, Molinari’s younger brother, thanked people on Facebook for their support during the family’s tragedy. He urged folks come forward if they have any information on the shooting.
“At this time I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of emotional support given to me and my family during these trying times,” Stephenson posted on Tuesday. “It means a lot to my family to know how much Drew was loved. Also, I implore anyone who may know anything about why this happened to contact the authorities. Let’s bring the animal who did this to justice. Last, I want to thank the local media for getting the story out there to everyone, and for respecting my family’s wish for privacy at this time.”
Stephenson said the funeral arrangements are as follows: Viewing Wednesday between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Rhome Funeral Home in Monessen. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday with a burial Ceremony to follow at Belle Vernon Cemetery.
“Please share with everyone you know; it would mean a lot to Drew’s memory and my family to have as many as possible attend,” he posted.