The suspect in the shooting deaths of two people in a Beaver County home early Sunday morning was apprehended in Ohio, according to Ambridge police.
Howard James Thomas Jr., 39, of Ambridge is accused of killing Ashley Anne Delucca, 38, of Ambridge and Andre Littles, 54, of Pittsburgh’s Carrick neighborhood.
Ambridge police said they went to Locust Street in Ambridge around 2:30 a.m. Sunday for a report of multiple gunshots. A person said the shots came from inside a home in the 300 block of Locust Street.
Officers found Delucca and Littles dead inside from multiple gunshot wounds, police said.
Officers identified Thomas as the suspect and put out information about him and his vehicle. Shortly after 8:30 a.m., Ohio State Highway Patrol notified Ambridge police that Thomas was apprehended following a crash in Zanesville.
Thomas was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was in custody on an arrest warrant from Ambridge, police said.
Thomas is charged with a dozen felony offenses including two counts of criminal homicide; two counts of aggravated assault; four counts of prohibited possession of a firearm; carrying a firearm without a license; and two counts of discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure, according to court records.
In a statement, Ambridge Mayor Tina Iorfido-Schmidt thanked police officers, first responders and investigators for their professionalism and dedication.
“I am saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from the double homicide this morning in Ambridge. On behalf of the borough I extend my condolences to the family and loved ones grieving,” she said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time. I ask that we as a community come together with compassion respect and unity for the family of the victims.”
Brian Rittmeyer and Rich Cholodofsky are TribLive staff writers. Brian can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com, Rich at rcholodofsky@triblive.com
