Pennsylvania Man Arrested After Beating and Kidnapping Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend and Her Child
MCKEES ROCKS, PENNSYLVANIA — A 24-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of brutally assaulting and kidnapping his pregnant ex-girlfriend and her 1-year-old child has been captured after months on the run, authorities announced Friday.
Justin Daugherty faces a long list of felony charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault of an unborn child, endangering the welfare of children, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to Allegheny County court records.
Violent Attack Began Over Jealousy
Investigators say the violent ordeal began in late August after Daugherty discovered that his ex-girlfriend — who had recently ended their relationship — was pregnant with another man’s child.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WTAE, Daugherty went to the woman’s McKees Rocks apartment just days after being released from jail for a prior domestic violence case involving the same victim.
“You’re not going outside. You’re not going to work. You’re not going nowhere,” Daugherty allegedly told her, according to police.
When he learned she was expecting another man’s baby, Daugherty punched her repeatedly in the stomach and continued beating her for several days while keeping her locked inside the apartment, authorities said.
Failed Rescue and Gunfire
The victim eventually contacted her current boyfriend for help. When he and a friend tried to rescue her, Daugherty opened fire, hitting one of the men, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office said.
Daugherty then allegedly kidnapped the pregnant woman and her 1-year-old daughter, forcing them into his car and threatening to kill her if she reported what happened.
During the ride, the woman managed to secretly call 911, helping dispatchers track their location. Police arrived soon after and began searching for Daugherty, but he fled before officers could apprehend him.
Months on the Run Ends in Capture
After more than two months on the run, detectives located Daugherty this week hiding at a home in Stowe Township, where he was staying with the mother of his child.
When officers arrived early Friday morning, Daugherty tried to escape through a window, but was quickly surrounded and arrested without further violence.
He was booked into the Allegheny County Jail and is currently being held without bond.
Long List of Felony Charges
Prosecutors have charged Daugherty with more than a dozen offenses, including:
- Aggravated Assault (1st and 2nd degree)
- Kidnapping and Kidnapping of a Minor
- Aggravated Assault of an Unborn Child
- Endangering the Welfare of Children
- Terroristic Threats
- Unlawful Restraint
- Possession of a Firearm Without a License
He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on November 18 in Allegheny County Court.
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