Crime
Mother of Fallen Pennsylvania Officer Mourns Son: ‘He Had a Warrior Heart’
York, PA – The growing unease in Nancy Duarte Matarese on Saturday turned into full dread as she was escorted to a small family room inside WellSpan York Hospital.
The room was just miles away from UPMC Memorial Hospital, where her son, Officer Andrew Duarte, had been involved in a violent hostage situation and shooting earlier that day.
“I thought to myself, ‘This isn’t good, because if he was still with us, they would take me to him,’” Duarte Matarese recalled. “I had the feeling that Andrew had been called to his eternal home with the Lord, and that he wasn’t here with us anymore.”
Her worst fears were soon confirmed—Officer Duarte had been killed in the line of duty.
The West York Borough Police Officer was among those injured during the hostage standoff and shooting at the hospital.
The incident left multiple people wounded and deeply shook the local community.
The following day, Duarte Matarese visited a makeshift memorial outside the West York Borough Police Department, where community members left flowers, candles, and balloons in honor of her only child.
In an emotional interview, she described him as an exceptional young man devoted to his duty.
“He had a warrior heart and a warrior spirit,” she said.
Authorities identified the alleged gunman as Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, 49, who entered UPMC Memorial Hospital armed with a handgun and zip ties concealed inside a bag.
According to York County District Attorney Tim Baker, Ortiz’s actions appeared intentional, as he went directly to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“Ortiz did appear to have contact previously in the week with the ICU for a medical purpose involving another individual,” Baker stated.
The tragic loss of Officer Duarte has left York residents shaken. For some, the reality of the violent incident hit especially close to home.
Tad Pequignot, a local resident, described the terrifying moment he received a message from his wife, who was working inside the ICU during the attack.
“[I] got a text from my wife who works in the ICU. And she said that she loved me and that she didn’t know if she was going to make it out,” Pequignot said.
Others, like Mary Eck, a lifelong York resident, expressed shock and sadness over the violation of what should have been a safe place.
“A hospital? You would think you’d be safe, but it’s just not anymore,” Eck said while visiting the memorial.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive behind the attack.
The loss of Officer Andrew Duarte has left a profound impact on his family, fellow officers, and the community he served.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.