NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — A 38-year-old man, Steffon Ballard, is facing multiple criminal charges after a tragic incident early Saturday morning that left his brother, 46-year-old Jeffrey Ballard, dead outside the Elks Lodge on Third Avenue. The deadly confrontation also involved a third individual, whose identity has not been released. Police describe the shooting as accidental, occurring during a physical altercation in the lodge’s parking lot.
According to authorities, the altercation began inside the Elks Lodge bar and later moved to the parking lot around 3 a.m., after someone was escorted out of the establishment. Surveillance video obtained by police shows both brothers, Steffon and Jeffrey Ballard, involved in a struggle with another individual. Witnesses reported that Steffon pulled a firearm from his sock and struck the other man with the gun in a frantic struggle.
During the scuffle, the weapon accidentally discharged, and a bullet struck Jeffrey in the upper left thigh. Emergency personnel immediately transported him to a local hospital, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to blood loss, leaving his family and the community devastated.
Steffon Ballard now faces multiple charges, including homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. At this time, Steffon is not in custody, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the New Kensington community, where Jeffrey Ballard was known both as a dedicated security professional and a committed member of the lodge. Residents and friends have expressed grief and disbelief over the tragic loss of life, emphasizing the devastating consequences of gun violence and accidental shootings.
Police and investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the altercation or surrounding events to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly a moment of conflict can escalate into irreversible loss. The memory of Jeffrey Ballard will live on through the lives he touched, and his death underscores the urgent importance of firearm safety and responsible handling.
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