Salim Basalat, 36, of Youngstown, Ohio, died after being shot late Monday night, May 25, 2026, in the parking lot of Lowe’s at 3000 Glimcher Boulevard in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The suspect, 32‑year‑old Taneesha Lynn Teague of West Middlesex, surrendered to police the following afternoon and was charged with first‑degree murder.
Hermitage police said they received multiple 911 calls at 11:41 p.m. reporting gunfire in the Lowe’s parking lot. Officers arrived to find Basalat suffering from gunshot wounds to the arm and abdomen. He was transported to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, where he was pronounced dead Tuesday morning.
Investigators determined that Teague had been outside the store with another woman and Basalat when the confrontation occurred. Witnesses reported that she fired at Basalat during an argument, striking him twice before fleeing the scene in a white Nissan work van.
Police issued a “be on the lookout” alert for Teague and the van, which was later located near a KFC restaurant in West Middlesex. By Tuesday around 1 p.m., Teague turned herself in to authorities. She was booked into Mercer County Jail and formally charged with first‑degree murder.
The Mahoning County Coroner’s Office confirmed Basalat’s death and ruled it a homicide. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting, including what led to the confrontation in the parking lot.
Police emphasized that Teague was considered armed and dangerous before her surrender. They have not released further details about her relationship to Basalat or the motive behind the shooting.
Basalat’s death has left his family and community grieving. Friends described him as a hardworking man who was deeply connected to his loved ones. Vigils are expected to be organized in Youngstown and Hermitage as the case proceeds through Mercer County’s criminal courts.
