Waterfront Slaying Investigated; Movie Pulled; 50 Cent Responds

Waterfront Slaying Investigated; Movie Pulled; 50 Cent Responds

UPDATE: Appearing on ABC's "The View" Friday morning, 50 Cent addressed the Waterfront shooting, saying that he is sorry for the loss of life. However, the rapper said neither he nor his movie are responsible, because the incident was a dispute among adults, not children.


WEST HOMESTEAD, Pa. -- Gunfire in the Loews Waterfront movie theater killed a man Wednesday night, West Homestead police said.

The victim, identified as Shelton Flowers, 30, of Wilkinsburg, was hit in the thigh and chest. He died later at UPMC Presbyterian.

Allegheny County police said a confrontation broke out between Flowers and three other men in a bathroom. Employees at the concession stand reported hearing shots, and Flowers was then found near some video game machines.

Two men were seen running out of the main entrance after the shooting, witnesses told police. Another man left through the rear doors.

Police said nobody has come forward to identify a shooter, even though the building was busier than a usual weeknight, with the 50 Cent movie, "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" debuting on two screens.

The Waterfront theater has pulled the movie until the investigation is complete, WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Sheldon Ingram said.


Shelton Flowers
The West Homestead Police chief told WTAE Channel 4 Action News that an off-duty officer was stationed at the theater -- which is unusual for a weeknight -- due to the showing of the movie.

The chief said the officer did hear and respond to the shots. Right after that, Flowers crossed the officer's path and collapsed.

Flowers had just left the 9 p.m. showing of the 50 Cent movie.

"We are sad and disappointed about the events that took place Wednesday night," Loews Waterfront management said in a statement. "However, we want to assure our patrons that this was a rare and isolated incident. Our customers should be assured that the security of our patrons is our highest priority and we will continue to provide a safe atmosphere for everyone."


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R.Motions: Now I pose the question, are movies like this fueling the violence that is occuring in our urban communities or is it just entertainment and needs to be received as such?

HipHopHavoc would like to know!


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