PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened early Friday morning in Coraopolis.

Officials say it happened in the 800-block of Fifth Avenue.

The shooting took place around 3 a.m. and a neighbor called police after hearing shots.

Police say 39-year-old Thomas Cassano was found dead in his kitchen.

KDKA’s Bob Allen Reports:



His two young daughters were also home at the time and witnessed the killing.

Police say while Cassano and his daughters were asleep, several people entered their house. In what they describe as a vicious assault on Cassano, his 6-year-old daughter may have tried to intervene and was thrown by one of the suspects.

KDKA’s Bob Allen Reports:



“Bumps and bruises, scrapes,” said neighbor Thomas Jones. “But she’ll be OK. But the mind’s gotta heal, gonna have to heal the mind, cause she saw — excuse my language — a hell of a situation.”

Cassano was shot during the home invasion. It was Jones who jumped out of bed and rushed to help when he heard the gunshots and Cassano screaming.

“I went to his aid,” he said. “When I walked in the house, that’s when I seen him laying on the floor in the kitchen in a pool of blood. His little daughter came running to me, screaming, so I got her out the house.”

Police were eying up surveillance cameras along Fifth Avenue as they spoke with neighbors and family. Cassano is described as a very involved father who would do anything for his children.

“It’s going to be rough for her, young kids,” said friend Leonard Ishman. “I just hope the best for them … he was a great father. A father of two young daughters on his own.”

KDKA’s Heather Abraham Reports:



“He didn’t deserve to die that way,” he added. “Not for no, whatever they robbed him for, it wasn’t worth it. Not at all.”

Police say they are looking for several suspects — as many as four. They’re hoping surveillance video will aid in their investigation.

Stay with KDKA for more information.

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