Daniel Latorre Jr., 21, of Whitehall, appeared before Magisterial District Judge Kyle B. Miller for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.
Felony charges of criminal homicide and aggravated assault — attempts or causes serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon — were held for court, according to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan.
Miller dismissed a misdemeanor charge of possession of a prohibited weapon.
Whitehall Township police were called to a stabbing at a home in the 700 block of Second Street at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The investigation found that Latorre Jr. stabbed his father, 40-year-old Daniel S. Latorre Sr., during a dispute involving three family members who lived at the home, authorities said.
The confrontation began as a verbal argument between Latorre Sr. and a female family member that was recorded on a cellphone, investigators said. Latorre Jr. was armed with a pocket knife and used it to stab his father during the argument, according to the release.
The woman suffered a cut to her hand.
First responders attempted life-saving measures before Latorre Sr. was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg, where he was pronounced dead.
He died from sharp force injuries, and his death was ruled a homicide by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio.
Latorre Jr. was remanded to Lehigh County Jail without bail following his preliminary arraignment.
Whitehall Township Police Detective Alexander Reinik and Lehigh County Homicide Task Force Detective Moses Miller investigated the case. Senior Deputy District Attorney Ashley N. Troxell and Holihan will prosecute it.
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