By JEFF STITT
On the same day state police released two surveillance camera images in connection with the fatal shooting of Nicholas Tarpley of Donora, a crowdfunding page was created to ask Mon Valley neighbors and friends to help pay for the 28-year-old’s funeral.
Troopers are asking the public to help identify the individuals in two surveillance camera images that were captured from footage at Anna Lee’s Convenience Store in Donora — the site of the shooting.
The Washington County Coroner’s Office said Tarpley was part owner of the store.
The two people shown in the images are wearing black facemasks. One of them appears to have been wearing a red-tossle cap or beanie, and the other has short black or dark-brown hair.
On Friday, state police told the Mon Valley Independent the individuals in the photos may be armed and dangerous.
Trooper Robert Broadwater, public information officer for state police Troop B, said they are leading the investigation at the request of Donora police.
The coroner’s office said the incident happened around 5:07 p.m. Wednesday while the victim was working at the store, which is located at the corner of Allen Avenue and Fifth Street. Tarpley was pronounced dead at 6:48 p.m.
Broadwater said the victim’s family members told investigators that Tarpley was well liked and respected by his neighbors and family in the Valley.
The Speers Street Grill in lower Speers paid tribute to the victim Thursday on social media.
“We were blessed for 11 years to have such a heart-full, patient, calm, caring, funny, hard working and loyal person working side by side with!” the restaurant posted on Facebook. “Nick was a smart, strong young man always looking ahead of life!
“This is a tragic loss! Nick will be greatly missed by all of us, there are no words on how saddened we all are! We are all in shock! We miss you Nick..RIP.”
That post attracted hundreds of reactions and comments of condolence from individuals from around the Valley and beyond.
On Thursday, Broadwater said police aren’t sure if the shooting was random or targeted.
Police have not revealed if the suspects took anything from the victim or the store.
Broadwater said the convenience store is located in a heavily populated area and he is “hoping people in that community will come forward” with information about the shooting if they saw or heard anything.
State police are asking anyone with information about the shooting, or about the identity of the suspects, to contact state police at the Belle Vernon barracks at 724-929-6262.
Funeral expenses
A Gofundme crowdfunding web page was created Friday to help raise money to cover Tarpley’s funeral expenses.
“Nick was an example of the BEAUTY and all the GOOD that everyone hears about growing up as a child,” the page states. “If you knew him you shared a smile a laugh or some kind of deep heartfelt warm feeling that spoke to your heart about him. He was truly a BEAUTIFUL kid. Please help donate to this cause and his family to support with funeral expenses for the loss of a child gone too soon.”
As of Friday night, more than $7,000 had been raised. To contribute or to read comments about Tarpley from donors, go to https://gofund.me/eabf53d6.