New Kensington police charge brother of man killed outside Elks Lodge with homicide

New Kensington police believe the man killed outside the Elks Lodge early Saturday was shot by his brother during an altercation with another person.

They’ve charged Steffon Ballard, 38, with homicide, attempted homicide, possession of a firearm and aggravated assault in the death of Jeffrey Ballard, 46, who served as a bouncer at the lodge.

The Ballard brothers were involved in an altercation with another man outside the Elks just before 3 a.m. Saturday when Steffon Ballard began pistol whipping the man, according to a news release from the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.

While he continued to strike the man, his handgun discharged and hit Jeffrey Ballard in the upper thigh, authorities said. Steffon Ballard and the other man fled, according to the release. Jeffrey Ballard bled out and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, the release said.

Police gathered information from surveillance footage at the lodge and witness interviews, according to the release.

Steffon Ballard is not in police custody. District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli Ziccarelli asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 911 or contact New Kensington police.