Elder Neighbor Found Stabbed Next Door in Pittsburgh

Family questions timeline after 83-year-old Lester Bridges discovered dead inside neighbor's home

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In Pittsburgh's Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood, the family of 83-year-old Lester Bridges says it is still fighting for answers after he was found stabbed inside a next-door home on Saturday morning. Bridges, whose relatives say was in the early stages of dementia, was reported missing Friday night and discovered by police roughly 12 hours later. His family questions the neighbor's version of events, that someone broke in around 2 a.m. and was fatally stabbed, as police were not called until about 8 a.m.

Why it matters

This case has left a small Pittsburgh neighborhood rattled as detectives try to piece together what happened, with the family questioning the timeline and calling for a clear accounting and potential criminal charges if wrongdoing is determined.

The details

According to Pittsburgh police, Zone 5 officers were dispatched to the 7200 block of Hilliards Street just before 8 a.m. after the homeowner called 911 and reported an attempted break-in around 2 a.m. When officers arrived, they found Lester Bridges had been stabbed. Homicide detectives were called to the scene, and the homeowner was taken to police headquarters for further questioning. Detectives say no charges have been announced as the investigation continues.

  • Bridges was reported missing after leaving home to work on his truck and not returning around 8 p.m. Friday.
  • Surveillance footage showed Bridges walking on Silverton Avenue around 10:15 p.m. Friday.
  • The homeowner called 911 around 8 a.m. Saturday to report an attempted break-in around 2 a.m.

The players

Lester Bridges

An 83-year-old man in the early stages of dementia who was found stabbed inside a neighbor's home.

Homeowner

The neighbor next door who called 911 to report an attempted break-in around 2 a.m. and was taken to police headquarters for questioning.

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What they’re saying

“If he broke in and you were really afraid for your life, why didn't you call the authorities?”

— Bridges' granddaughter (Channel 11)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Detectives with the city's Violent Crime Unit are leading the probe and are scrutinizing both the timeline and the physical evidence collected at the house. The homeowner has been interviewed at police headquarters, and detectives are still gathering statements from neighbors and family members.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about the timeline of events and potential wrongdoing, raising questions about the responsibility of neighbors to immediately contact authorities in a situation like this.