UPDATE 3:19 P.M. - KDKA Radio retrieved this statement from Uber regarding the arrest of Calvin Crew:
"No family should have to suffer such an unimaginable loss and our thoughts are with Christi’s loved ones during this difficult time. We’ve been in touch with law enforcement to support the investigation and are grateful for everything they’ve done.”
A man has been arrested and charged for the death of Christina Spicuzza, an Uber driver and mother of four found dead over the weekend.
22-year-old Calvin Crew, of Penn Hills was arrested Thursday night. He is charged with criminal homicide, robbery and tampering with evidence.
In a press conference Friday, Allegheny County Police credited the community, Uber and detective work with the arrest.
"Christina's murder is a sad and tragic case, like so many others in Allegheny County," said assistant superintendent Victor Joseph. "It was a senseless killing that left four children without a mother."
Spicuzza was found dead on Saturday, Feb. 12 with a single gunshot wound. Family reported her missing Friday, telling police she didn't come home after driving for Uber Thursday. Her car was also found Saturday in Pitcairn. Spicuzza's husband told police a dash camera he installed in her car was missing.
According to a criminal complaint, police also recovered Spicuzza's cell phone Saturday. Someone working along railroad tracks beneath the TriBoro Expressway found it and reported it to police. Investigators were able to use Spicuzza's cell phone data to track its location the night of the murder.
Police also requested Spicuzza's Uber trip information. According to a criminal complaint, her last ride was requested by Tanaya Mullen.
Mullen, who is Crew's girlfriend, agreed to meet with police. Crew came to the Penn Hills police station with her.
Crew was also wanted on an unrelated gun charge, and was taken into custody at the station. He was later released on bond.
Mullen allegedly told police she purchased a gun last year, but it recently went missing. She said she never reported it missing because the next day, she gave birth to her son and later contracted COVID-19. Asked if she felt Crew had her gun, Mullen allegedly replied "yeah."
During a search of Mullen's phone, police say they recovered texts between her and Crew from Feb. 10. and Feb. 11. On Feb. 11, Mullen allegedly texted Crew saying "I'm not going to jail if we get caught."
In an interview with police, Crew allegedly said he asked Mullen to call him an Uber to take him to his old home address to pick up his mail. He said he completed the trip, got out of the Uber and later took the bus home.
Police say they did not find Crew in surveillance footage at any bus stop from that evening.
On Thursday, Feb. 17, police say they were canvassing Dersam St. in Penn Hills, where they believe the trip ended. An officer found the dash cam missing from Spicuzza's car and recovered the SD card.
"We had a vast amount of evidence prior to that," Joseph said. "The harder our detectives work, the luckier they get, and they got a little lucky there. They did a canvas. They did a re-canvass. They checked all the areas where they should be checking. One of the detectives was fortunate enough to find that camera. It had some critical evidence on it."
According to the criminal complaint, the dash cam shows Crew enter the car at 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 10. Spicuzza turns and asks "for Tanaya?" Crew does not respond.
About 20 minutes later, dash cam footage allegedly shows Crew put a gun to Spicuzza's head.
Police say they observed the following on the dash cam:
9:33:49: Crew states "keep driving."
9:33:51: Spicuzza reaches up with her right hand and touches the gun. Spicuzza then says "you've got to be joking."
9:33:55: Crew states "it's a gun."
9:33:57: Spicuzza states "come on, I have a family."
9:33:58: Crew states "I got a family too, now drive."
9:34:10: Crew says to Spicuzza "complete the trip." He repeats this statement numerous times to her.
9:34:20: Crew using his left hand, grabbed Spicuzza's ponytail and controlled her head.
9:34:23: Spicuzza says "I'm begging you. I have four kids."
9:34:39: Crew places the firearm into his left hand and keeps it places at the back of Spicuzza's neck.
9:34:40: Spicuzza says "please take that off me."
9:34:42: Crew reaches forward with his right hand and grabs Spicuzza's cell phone off of the front dashboard.
9:34:45: Crew says "do what I say and everything will be alright."
9:34:48: Crew reaches forward with his right hand and grabs the dash camera. The video then ends.
Police said they are still piecing together what led to Spicuzza's death after Crew removed the dash cam.
"We do not know exactly what was happening during that time, but I'm sure it was terrifying for Christi," Joseph said."
Investigators believe Crew intended to rob Spicuzza. At some point the night she died, multiple money and banking apps were opened on her phone. Police would not say if any money was actually taken.
Police said they are still determining if anyone else will be charged in the case.