McKeesport family gathers to honor victims of fire

January 18, 2015 7:51 PM Share with others:

By Clarece Polke / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Just days after police charged McKeesport resident Ryan Williams with homicide for a fatal October fire, family members of the six victims organized a memorial service this evening to honor their loved ones.

Stuffed animals, toys, glass candles and rocks painted with the names of the victims covered the front steps and much of the lawn of the charred home at 310 Express Alley. More than 50 people gathered as several family members spoke out against the "act of hate" that killed Ronald Egenlauf, 55; Hope Jordan Egenlauf, 27; and children, Dominic Jordan, 7; Autumn Jordan, 6; Serenity Jakub, 3; and Victoria Jordan, 2.

"May the coward who chose to steal so much from so many people get the justice he deserves," said Emma Ackerman, aunt of Keith Egenlauf, who survived the fire but was critically injured.

Keith's mother, Laverne Egenlauf, said, months later, her family is still coping with the repercussions of the fire. Her son is still undergoing treatment for some of his burns, she said, and the family has struggled to find relief to cover his medical bills.

"At least we've got some kind of relief knowing that man is behind bars, but it still hurts," she said. "Every day, it hurts. Keith has nothing to come home to."

Family friend Kasey Cavanaugh, who lived just two blocks away from the Egenlaufs, said much of the small McKeesport neighborhood turned out to pay respects.

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McKeesport family gathers to honor victims of fire