Stuffed animals, toys, 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 in McKeesport.
More than 50 people gathered at an informal memorial service Sunday evening in an alley outside the home 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, in a fatal McKeesport fire in October. Hope's husband Keith Egenlauf, 23, survived the fire but was critically burned.
Police charged McKeesport resident Ryan Williams, 24, with homicide, arson and burglary Friday. He is currently being held at Allegheny County Jail without bond.
Witnesses told police Williams believed Keith Egenlauf provided information to authorities that caused him to be sent to jail for a theft case. He made multiple threats toward Mr. Egenlauf after his release, detectives said in an affidavit. Family friend Kasey Cavanaugh knew and dated Williams for six years, she said, and described the relationship as "very dramatic."
"He was kindhearted, but anyone who goes to jail has the potential to be a different person when they get out," she said Sunday. "It changed him."
Williams had multiple run-ins with law in the last few years, including burglary charges in September 2013 and charges of disorderly conduct in February 2013.
"May the coward who chose to steal so much from so many people get the justice he deserves," said Emma Ackerman, Keith Egenlauf's aunt. "People just don't know...you don't know the truth until it's set out."
Mr. Egenlauf's mother, Laverne Egenlauf, said that 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," Ms. Egenlauf said. "Every day, it hurts. Keith has nothing to come home to."
The Rev. Michael Singer, of St. Sharons Trilam Congregation in East Pittsburgh, gave a final closing prayer for the victims Sunday night. He had officiated the wedding for Keith, his cousin, and Hope. The young couple was preparing to renew their marriage vows in a special ceremony, he said.
Ms. Cavanaugh lives just two blocks away from the Egenlaufs, and said much of the small McKeesport neighborhood turned out to pay respects.
"Whether people knew them or not, anyone with a heart has to feel something for a tragedy like this," she said. "I feel like them babies can rest in peace now, and the family can have a piece of their lives back."
First Published: January 19, 2015, 12:51 a.m.
