Police say an alleged drug transaction and planned robbery preceded the gunfire that killed 18-year-old Kevin Walter.
PENN HILLS, Pa. — A 17-year-old has been charged with homicide and other offenses in connection with an August shooting that killed an 18-year-old inside a Penn Hills home, as investigators continue working to determine exactly who fired the shots.
Tayquawn Mills, 17, faces homicide, robbery, burglary and criminal conspiracy charges in the death of Kevin Walter, according to police and a criminal complaint. Walter was found shot inside a home in the 100 block of Keefer Drive early Aug. 18. Mills also suffered a gunshot wound during the encounter and was later found nearby.
Investigators said Mills and another person went to Walter’s home for a drug transaction. According to the criminal complaint, Mills told detectives that the other person discussed robbing Walter before the pair entered the home. Mills told police that he opposed the proposed robbery, but investigators said both people ultimately went inside.
Police have not said who fired the shots that struck Walter and Mills. Authorities previously said shell casings from both a rifle and a handgun were recovered inside the Keefer Drive home. The gun or guns used in the shooting were not recovered during the initial investigation.
The shooting was reported shortly after 2 a.m. Aug. 18. Allegheny County 911 was first notified of a shooting on Anthon Drive, where first responders found the wounded 17-year-old. While Penn Hills officers were responding there, they learned of another shooting victim at the nearby Keefer Drive home.
Walter was found inside the residence and died at the scene. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as 18-year-old Kevin Walter. Mills was found about a block away on Anthon Drive and was taken to a hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest.
The criminal complaint describes the encounter as a planned drug purchase that developed into a dispute and gunfire. Another person interviewed by investigators also said the group had gone to Walter’s home to buy marijuana, according to reporting on the complaint. The accounts given to police differed on parts of what happened, including circumstances surrounding a dispute over payment.
Investigators also recovered a cellphone belonging to Mills inside Walter’s home, according to the complaint. Police have not publicly established who fired the fatal shot or provided a complete account of how the gunfire unfolded. The charges accuse Mills of criminal responsibility in Walter’s death but do not by themselves establish guilt.
Neighbor William Quivers told CBS Pittsburgh that he had watched Mills grow up and described the situation as sad. He also expressed concern about gun violence involving young people in the community.
The investigation remains active. Police have not publicly identified the other person they say accompanied Mills to the Keefer Drive home, and authorities have not announced whether that person will face charges. It also remains unclear from publicly released information when investigators expect to resolve who fired each weapon.
Author note: Last updated September 12, 2026.