Police said Jessica Hilliard was shot as several people tried to stop a parking lot fight.
PARKS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 34-year-old mother of three was shot and killed early Sunday outside an Armstrong County bar after police said she rushed to help a woman who reported being attacked in the parking lot.
Jessica Lynn Hilliard, of Apollo, died outside Niki’s Quick Six on First Street in Parks Township. Three other people were wounded. Pennsylvania State Police arrested David Dunmire, 36, of Vandergrift, at the scene and said he remained there after the shooting. Court records show Dunmire faces 16 charges, including criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault.
Troopers were called to the bar at 1:16 a.m. Sunday for reports of shots fired. Police said the violence began with a verbal altercation in the parking lot. A woman went inside the bar and said she had been jumped outside, prompting several people to go out and intervene. Hilliard was among them, her family said. Investigators said surveillance video showed a large group in the parking lot before Dunmire pulled out a gun and fired seven rounds into the crowd while running away. Hilliard was struck multiple times in the chest and died at the scene.
The Armstrong County Coroner’s Office identified Hilliard and ruled her death a homicide. State police said Rebecca Boston, 24, of McIntyre, was found at the scene and taken to a hospital in critical condition. Two other victims, Hector Saballos, 34, and Dominik Dellach, 25, both of Vandergrift, left before troopers arrived and later went to a hospital. Police said both men were listed in stable condition. Investigators have not released a full account of what led to the first fight. Police said the shooting followed a physical altercation outside the business.
Hilliard’s sisters, Amanda Evacheck and Hailey Frawley, said she stepped in because she believed another woman was in danger. “Our sister died a hero,” Evacheck said. Frawley said Hilliard was a devoted mother who worked hard to care for her three children. She said Hilliard was the kind of person who would try to help even when she did not know the person in trouble. Evacheck said the family is now focused on Hilliard’s children, funeral plans and the shock of losing a sister so suddenly.
The shooting shook a small community near Vandergrift, northeast of Pittsburgh. Nelson Lubik, who lives across from the bar, said he heard six to eight shots and saw people running from the building. He said he called 911 and later watched emergency crews try to save Hilliard. Lubik said he and his wife have lived near the property for decades and had grown concerned in recent years about noise and fights around the bar. “You hope and pray it doesn’t happen at all,” he said.
Dunmire was arraigned after his arrest and was being held in the Armstrong County Jail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 7. At that hearing, prosecutors are expected to present evidence for a district judge to decide whether the case should move forward. The charges remain accusations. State police said the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office is working with investigators as the case continues.
Hilliard’s family has started a fundraiser to help pay for funeral expenses and support her children. Her sisters described her as loud, caring and deeply loved. As of Wednesday, authorities had not announced a new condition for Boston or a final report on the shooting. The next court milestone is Dunmire’s May 7 preliminary hearing.
Author note: Last updated April 29, 2026.