Arnold man charged with homicide in connection to Sunday afternoon shooting

An Arnold man accused of fatally shooting another man Sunday afternoon told police he shot at the man to protect himself and a woman and her baby, according to a criminal complaint.

Arnold police charged Devon Aerion Askew, 25, with homicide and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the incident at Woodmont Avenue. He is being held without bail at Westmoreland County Prison.

Police said they were dispatched to the 1500 block of Woodmont just before 5 p.m. responding to a report of an ex-boyfriend refusing to leave Jocelynn Ivanco’s residence. When they arrived, they said they found a man, later identified as Richard Hildreth, 34, unconscious on the sidewalk near the front steps of the house.

Police said Hildreth had gunshot wounds to his torso, and he was not breathing and had no pulse. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Westmoreland County Deputy Coroner Steven Grabiak.

Police found two 9mm bullet casings outside the house, according to the complaint.

Police said Askew called Ivanco while they were interviewing her. He agreed to speak with Officer Ryan Clark about the incident. The complaint said Askew told Clark that Hildreth had tried to enter the residence, and Askew said he “did what he had to in order to protect his family.”

Askew told police Hildreth had come to the house to kill him, Ivanco and her child, the complaint said. Askew said he fled the scene because he was on probation and because Ivanco has an active Protection from Abuse Order against him.

Police said Askew is not allowed to own a gun because he is a convicted felon. Askew was arraigned Sunday evening and sent to the county jail.