Idris Evans treated critically ill children and helped lead a specialized pediatric transport team at a major Pittsburgh hospital.
EDGEWOOD, Pa. — Dr. Idris Evans spent his career caring for critically ill children and helping coordinate specialized medical transport before an attack inside his home near Pittsburgh ended his life at age 46.
Evans, a pediatric critical care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, died after he and his wife were attacked while sleeping at their Edgewood home early Thursday, authorities said. His wife was critically injured, while their two children escaped the house without physical injuries. Police arrested a 32-year-old Pittsburgh man and charged him with criminal homicide and other offenses.
Evans was an assistant professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and held a leadership position with the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team at UPMC Children’s Hospital. His work placed him in a part of pediatric medicine focused on children facing severe or life-threatening illnesses and on the teams responsible for moving critically ill patients safely between facilities.
UPMC records also show Evans participating in professional education involving the transport of children receiving highly specialized care. He appeared as a medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team in materials for a neonatal and pediatric medical conference and participated in sessions focused on transporting patients receiving advanced life support.
UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh said their communities were deeply saddened by Evans’ death. In a statement, the institutions described him as a dedicated caregiver and valued member of the hospital and university communities and extended their thoughts to his family, loved ones and colleagues.
The loss was also being felt in the residential Edgewood neighborhood where Evans lived. Neighbor Jeannine Fisher told WPXI that she remembered Evans helping her carry groceries when they first met. She described the family as friendly, outgoing and involved with neighbors, including hosting gatherings that brought local families and children together.
The attack was reported shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 24 in the 100 block of Linden Avenue. Police and emergency crews found Evans and his wife suffering from multiple stab wounds. Both were transported to hospitals in critical condition, and Evans was later pronounced dead.
Allegheny County police identified Elijah Hemingway, 32, of Pittsburgh, as the suspect. Investigators allege that Hemingway entered the residence and attacked the couple while they slept. A Monroeville Police Department K-9 unit later found him behind a nearby home with cuts on his hand, authorities said. He was detained and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Hemingway faces charges including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass. The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt. Authorities had not announced a motive as of Friday, and police said investigators were still trying to determine whether Hemingway and Evans knew each other before the attack. Evans’ wife told investigators that she did not know the suspect.
As the criminal investigation continues, Evans’ death leaves UPMC Children’s Hospital without a physician who combined bedside critical care with teaching and leadership in pediatric transport. His wife remained hospitalized following the attack, and authorities continued investigating the circumstances that brought the alleged attacker to the family’s home.
Author note: Last updated September 25, 2026.