High-profile forensic psychiatrist Steven Pitt, 59, was recently killed outside his office in Phoenix, Arizona. The doctor was known for his work with many criminal cases, including the JonBenét Ramsey murder and the Baseline Killer murders, conducting forensic psychiatric investigations.
According to azcentral.com, Pitt was leaving his office around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Witnesses say they heard a loud argument, followed by gunshots. Pitt’s friend, Phoenix psychologist David Weinstock, speculated that the person who killed Pitt might have been waiting for him to leave work for the day: “I suspect this was one who either got out after Steve helped put him away or someone whose case he was working on who felt threatened about what Steve could do.”
The suspect fled the scene, but witnesses were able to provide a description.
Police are looking for a suspect in this case. Here is a sketch of the gunman. pic.twitter.com/VycsqI76Jm
— Kari Lake (@KariLakeFox10) June 1, 2018
People took to Twitter to express their condolences, and to spark some conspiracy theories related to the late doctor’s murder.
I’ll bet a man like that had many enemies, absolutely terrible news and a waste of another life that gave something good.
— Kim (@kimbomac) June 2, 2018
His friends were among those who posted their thoughts:
I am shocked and crushed to learn of the apparent murder of my friend Steven Pitt. Steven was a thoroughly wonderful guy who was endlessly curious and interested in a wide variety of things. Nobody was more fun to talk to. It would be impossible to find a better person anywhere. https://t.co/Q34H4JCWaL
— Dan Barr (@DanCBarr) June 1, 2018
Today I found out one of the men I respect and admired was murdered outside of his office in Northeast Phoenix, his name is Dr Steven Pitt, a suspect is described and there is a composite drawing, if anyone knows this individual contact Phoenix PHX PD,602-262-6141
— Robert Brunansky (@BrunanskyRobert) June 2, 2018
It didn’t take long for someone to try to make a connection between this murder and that of JonBenét:
This is cray!! What if it’s the same person who killed JonBenet??? https://t.co/Dm5yxU6q66
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) June 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/Deborah_1124BC_/status/1002945556052873216
Will we ever know who killed Jonbenet Ramsey?
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) June 2, 2018
And others saw the potential for no connection whatsoever:
https://twitter.com/yolandavassallo/status/1002940562658418688
Local news covered the murder as well:
Police have a sketch of a suspect in the homicide case of well-known forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Steven Pitt, who was shot and killed outside his home last night.
Story: https://t.co/FPhgBf7Uz6#AZFamily pic.twitter.com/2zkoxyghVA
— Spencer Blake (@spencerjblake) June 1, 2018
If you know of anything connected to the murder of Steven Pitt, you can contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6141.
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