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Man accused of killing his mom in Homestead double homicide

Renatta Signorini
By Renatta Signorini
2 Min Read Aug. 15, 2024 | 1 year Ago
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A man accused in a double homicide in Homestead was arrested Wednesday, according to Allegheny County Police.

John Malcolm Smith V, 25, of McKeesport is charged with fatally shooting Antoinette Porterfield, 45, and John West, 54. Porterfield is his mother, police said.

They were killed Tuesday around 4 p.m. in a West 15th Avenue home. A witness told investigators they heard a least four gunshots from inside the home after Smith made threats toward Porterfield, according to court papers.

Another witness reported seeing Smith in the area around the time of the fatal shooting Tuesday, and video surveillance showed a person matching his description walking about a half mile from the home, according to court papers.

After police released a photo of Smith on Wednesday afternoon and said they were looking to interview him in connection with the two deaths, he turned himself in. He is charged with two counts of homicide and tampering with evidence.

Homestead police said there have been numerous reports of domestic violence at the home, with the most recent being Saturday after Porterfield reported being assaulted by Smith. She had a protection-from-abuse order against him, police said. Authorities reported they had an indirect criminal contempt arrest warrant for him at the time of the shooting.

Smith was charged Tuesday with burglary, simple assault and criminal mischief by Homestead police, according to court records.

He was awaiting arraignment in both cases and did not have an attorney listed in online court records.

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About the Writers

Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.

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