Atirah Steed was 27 years old when she died in a Freemansburg, Pennsylvania hospital approximately an hour after police say her mother's girlfriend opened fire on her and her father with a 9 mm handgun. The shooting unfolded over what authorities describe as a simmering dispute that escalated into tragedy after Atirah allegedly dared the woman to "pull it out" and use her weapon.
Background
Lacole Dotson, 27, of Freemansburg, had been in a relationship with Alphonso Steed, 45, for several months. The couple shares a 1-year-old child together, according to police. On Saturday morning, investigators say the tension between Dotson and Atirah Steed reached a breaking point after an incident the prior night left hard feelings.
Authorities say Dotson confronted Atirah about "the prior night" on Saturday morning at their Market Street home, telling her she was going to use her gun on Alphonso Steed. "I'm not playing with y'all," Dotson allegedly said during the confrontation on the porch of the home around 2 a.m.
It was then, according to police, that Atirah responded: "pull it out, might as well use it." A witness reported hearing "pop, pop, pop" as bullets flew. Dotson allegedly shot both Atirah and her father before telling the witness she would call the police on herself, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WCAU.
The Investigation
Police responding to a 911 call arrived at the Market Street home to find Alphonso Steed suffering from gunshot wounds on the porch alongside a 9 mm handgun. Atirah Steed was also struck and rushed to a hospital along with her father, where she was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Alphonso Steed remained in critical but stable condition as of Monday, according to authorities.
Dotson was taken into custody following the shooting. During a police interview, Dotson claimed she felt threatened by Atirah Steed, investigators say. Police noted that a prior incident between Dotson and Alphonso Steed was reported in 2025 involving a pair of scissors, though no charges were ever filed.
Dotson is being held without bail while awaiting further court proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- Atirah Steed, 27, died after police say Lacole Dotson shot her and her father Alphonso Steed at their Freemansburg home Saturday morning
- Authorities allege the shooting followed a verbal confrontation where Atirah dared Dotson to "pull it out" and use her gun
- Dotson faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering another person
- Dotson and Alphonso Steed share a 1-year-old child together; police say the couple had a prior incident involving scissors in 2025
- A witness reported hearing "pop, pop, pop" before Dotson allegedly told a bystander she would call police on herself
What's Next
Dotson is scheduled to appear in court on September 1 for a preliminary hearing where prosecutors are expected to present evidence supporting the charges. Alphonso Steed continues recovering from his injuries while investigators piece together the events leading to his daughter's death.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to understand what provoked the confrontation and whether additional charges may follow.