The incident occurred just before 11:15 p.m. Sunday at a home on Walnut Street in Ellsworth Borough. Troopers responding to reports of gunfire found Elijah Johnson, 21, of Carnegie, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence. Despite first responders’ attempts to save him, Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an investigation, authorities identified Christopher Harper, 18, of Bentleyville, as the suspected shooter. Police said the fatal confrontation stemmed from a dispute involving a woman.

“Early investigation shows Harper went into the residence, located the female in the middle of the mixture with our victim, and then the dispute continues, which leads right to the shooting,” State Police Trooper Rocco Gagliardi told reporters.

Harper was later arrested in New Castle and is now facing several charges, including criminal homicide, burglary, recklessly endangering another person, and firearms violations.

Harper, a senior at Bentworth High School, was a standout wide receiver and defensive back for the varsity football team and also played basketball. He was on track to graduate with the Class of 2026. His arrest has left classmates, teammates, and community members reeling as they grapple with how a promising young athlete is now at the center of a homicide case.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s family is mourning the sudden loss of their loved one. Investigators described the shooting as a senseless argument that escalated into deadly violence.

The Pennsylvania State Police, assisted by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, continue to investigate the case.