Trial of a McKeesport man charged with killing woman, injuring man to conclude this month

A McKeesport man charged in a double shooting that left one woman dead and another man injured on the steps of a McKeesport bar in 2017 will soon learn his fate.

Testimony in the nonjury trial of Daniel Bizzelle, 27, wrapped up Wednesday afternoon.

Allegheny County Court Judge Randal Todd is expected to render his verdict July 29.

Bizzelle is charged with homicide in the July 16, 2017, death of 23-year-old Samantha Klavora. He’s also charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment for allegedly shooting and wounding another man in connection with the incident along the 1000 block of Fifth Avenue in McKeesport.

According to the criminal complaint, the surviving victim told police that he and Klavora were walking up a set of steps on the avenue when they heard someone approach from behind. He said he recognized the man as an acquaintance he knew only as “Boog Bray,” later identified as Bizelle.

Bizzelle began shooting, and the victim tried to run. Klavora tried to step in, at which point Bizzelle allegedly turned the gun on her.

Police said Klavora was shot six times in her torso and lower body, and was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators said they found 13 spent cartridge casings at the scene, as well as several fragments and 10 strike marks on the concrete steps.

The victim told police Bizzelle seemed to think he was responsible for the murder a month prior of 24-year-old Diaz Petty, also in McKeesport, according to the complaint.