May 19, 2017 2 min read

A California man who pleaded guilty in Washington County Court to attempted homicide in connection with shooting a Pittsburgh woman in the face and arm with a .22-caliber rifle as she sat in a car outside his Highland Avenue home a year and a half ago was sentenced Thursday.

David McClain Mounts, 22, admitted to the Nov. 11, 2015, shooting of 36-year-old Tekeiila Stephens, who was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment. Washington County district attorney’s office described her as “badly injured.” Aaron Davis of Monessen, who was driving the car, was grazed by the gunfire. The projectiles put a hole in Davis’ hooded shirt. Police said at least five shots were fired.

Davis grabbed the rifle and tried to pull it out of his assailant’s hands, but the shooter ran inside the house. Davis drove to the California fire station on Wood Street and called for help. A young witness later said Mounts had bloody hands and was bragging about going to jail. A three-hour manhunt ensued, and Mounts was seen on Edward Street, about a half-mile away, with his hands still bleeding.

Mounts was taken to the police station, where he admitted to firing the shots. He also said he pushed in the glass of the car window as he struggled with Davis over the weapon, cutting his hands.

California University of Pennsylvania issued an alert about the shooting because Mounts’ home is near Vulcan Village, a student apartment complex. No Cal U. students were involved in the incident.

An online court database shows the prosecution and Mounts reached a plea agreement in February. Washington County Judge Gary Gilman accepted Mounts’ guilty pleas and sentenced him to state prison for 9 to 18 years. He has been incarcerated in the county jail since his arrest.

District Attorney Gene Vittone commended the work of Assistant District Attorney John Paul Lewis, the lead prosecutor, and the work done by the California police.