Justice and Doubt: Teen Acquitted in Deadly McKees Rocks Shooting as Co-Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A tragic shooting that claimed the life of a 26-year-old man has ended in a surprising courtroom outcome, as the teenage defendant accused of pulling the trigger has been acquitted of all charges. The jury reached its decision in less than two hours, finding insufficient evidence to convict the teen, who was just 15 years old at the time of the November 2023 incident.

The fatal shooting occurred inside Michael Dean’s home on Benwood Avenue, where surveillance footage captured masked individuals attempting to force entry. During the incident, a gunshot was fired through the door, striking Dean in the head and ultimately leading to his death. Prosecutors relied heavily on this footage, along with testimony, to argue that the teen was responsible.

However, the defense successfully cast doubt on that narrative. Attorney Randall McKinney argued that there was no DNA or physical evidence linking the teen to the crime. Instead, he pointed to 46-year-old Arrmon Hagans as the orchestrator of the attempted robbery, suggesting Hagans shifted blame to the teen to protect himself.

Hagans, facing the possibility of a life sentence, accepted a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and two firearms charges in exchange for his testimony against the teen. Despite his cooperation, his final sentencing remains pending.

Ultimately, jurors determined that the prosecution’s case did not meet the burden of proof, underscoring the legal principle that guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt. Hagans remains convicted in connection with the case.