PITTSBURGH, PA – After being interviewed by detectives with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Homicide Squad the evening of August 8, Cesar Mazza has been arrested and charged with two counts of homicide and two counts of kidnapping in connection with the May 7 double homicide of Valorie Crumpton and Tionna Banks in East Hills.
From KDKA: — Banks previously filed a protection from abuse order against Mazza. Police say in November 2014, Banks said Mazza punched and kicked her stomach while she was five months pregnant because she did not want to name their son after him.
In May, police believe the abusive, violent relationship turned deadly. According to court papers, on May 4, Banks was visiting her grandmother, Valorie Crumpton, in the East Hills with her then 3-month-old son in tow.
Police say they spoke with a witness who went with Mazza to the home, but waited outside. Mazza came out over 15 minutes later, according to the witness, with the baby and a cut on his hand. —
An autopsy revealed that both women had been beaten and Banks was stabbed 15 times.
INITIAL REPORT: The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has issued a Be On the Look Out alert for Cesar Mazza, 25, who is wanted on a warrant stemming from failure to appear in court to face domestic violence charges. Mazza should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who knows his whereabouts should contact the Homicide Squad at 412-323-7161.
