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Lehigh County District Attorney's Office

Allentown Gang Member Sentenced To Up To 30 Years For 2023 Double Shooting: DA Allentown Gang Member Sentenced To Up To 30 Years For 2023 Double Shooting: DA
Allentown Gang Member Sentenced To Up To 30 Years For 2023 Double Shooting: DA A gang member will serve up to 30 years in state prison for a 2023 double shooting in Allentown that left two victims seriously injured, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday, Dec. 20. Dimitrius Bashir Campbell, 24, of Allentown, pleaded guilty on Oct. 18, 2024, to attempted third-degree murder and conspiracy to commit homicide, both first-degree felonies, according to the DA. At a sentencing hearing on Dec. 16, Campbell was ordered to serve 15 to 30 years behind bars by Judge Robert L. Steinberg. Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 300 block of Ri…
Inmate Found Unresponsive At Lehigh County Jail Dies: Investigation Underway Inmate Found Unresponsive At Lehigh County Jail Dies: Investigation Underway
Inmate Found Unresponsive At Lehigh County Jail Dies: Investigation Underway A Lehigh County Jail inmate was found unresponsive in his cell on Saturday, Dec. 14, and later pronounced dead, authorities said. Linwood Jones, 62, was discovered unresponsive in his cell at the Allentown facility around 4:20 p.m., according to the Lehigh County Department of Corrections. Staff immediately declared a medical emergency and began CPR before EMS arrived and took over, Director of Corrections Janine Donate said. Jones was transported to St. Luke's Hospital-Allentown by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead at 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, officials said. Jones had been admi…
Hit-Run Driver Who Killed Dad Of 3, Bicyclist Sentenced: Lehigh County DA Hit-Run Driver Who Killed Dad Of 3, Bicyclist Sentenced: Lehigh County DA
Hit-Run Driver Who Killed Dad Of 3, Bicyclist Sentenced: Lehigh County DA A driver who fled the scene after fatally striking a bicyclist in Lower Macungie Township will spend up to 17 years in prison, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced on Monday, Dec. 16. Anthony Michael Rutch, 51, pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2024, to accidents involving death or personal injury and homicide by vehicle, prosecutors said. At a hearing on Dec. 13, 2024, Lehigh County Judge Anna-Kristie M. Marks sentenced Rutch to 4 to 17 years in state prison for the death of 36-year-old Alexander Zarnas, authorities said. The crash happened on March 9, 2021, at 5:06 p.m. on …
Allentown Man Kills Palmerton Mechanic In Whitehall Parking Lot Shooting: DA Allentown Man Kills Palmerton Mechanic In Whitehall Parking Lot Shooting: DA
Allentown Man Kills Palmerton Mechanic In Whitehall Parking Lot Shooting: DA An Allentown man is accused of fatally shooting a Palmerton man in a Whitehall Township parking lot during a dispute, authorities announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Hector Garcia Gomez, 46, was shot multiple times in the torso in the parking lot of Loco Hot Deals at 1155 MacArthur Road, Whitehall Township, around 6:03 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, according to the Whitehall Township Police Department and Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office. Garcia Gomez was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 7:43 p.m., authorities …
Tractor-Trailer Crash Kills 2, Injures 4 In Fiery I-78 Crash: PA State Police (UPDATE) Tractor-Trailer Crash Kills 2, Injures 4 In Fiery I-78 Crash: PA State Police (UPDATE)
Tractor-Trailer Crash Kills 2, Injures 4 In Fiery I-78 Crash: PA State Police (Update) Two lives were tragically lost, and four others were injured in a devastating crash on Interstate 78 Eastbound in Upper Saucon Township early Monday, Dec. 9, authorities said Nicholas James Bolotine, 30, of East Cocalico Township, and a 32-year-old man from Newark, New Jersey.   Bolotine died in a devastating crash involving two tractor-trailers and a minivan on Interstate 78 Eastbound in Upper Saucon Township, Pennsylvania State Police said. The crash on I-78 injured four others, who were transported to local hospitals for treatment. All eastbound lanes were closed and reopene…
HOMICIDE: Man Shot Dead In Whitehall Township Parking Lot, Coroner Says HOMICIDE: Man Shot Dead In Whitehall Township Parking Lot, Coroner Says
Homicide: Man Shot Dead In Whitehall Township Parking Lot, Coroner Says A man was shot and killed in a Whitehall Township parking lot on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, authorities announced. The shooting occurred around 6:05 p.m. in the parking lot of 1155 MacArthur Road, the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office said. The victim was rushed to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where he was pronounced dead at 7:43 p.m. The coroner ruled the death a homicide and said the man, who was struck by multiple gunshots, has been positively identified. His name is being withheld to allow his family time to grieve. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. The Whitehall Towns…
64-Year-Old Man Dies In PA Rt 2083 Crash: Coroner 64-Year-Old Man Dies In PA Rt 2083 Crash: Coroner
64-Year-Old Man Dies In PA Rt 2083 Crash: Coroner The 64-year-old man killed in a crash in Upper Saucon Township has been identified by the Lehigh County Coroner's Office on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. David A. Stahler was pronounced dead after a crash in Upper Saucon Township, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office announced. The collision occurred in the 3200 block of Oakhurst Drive at 1:53 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, according to the release. Stahler was operating a vehicle that collided with another motorist, officials said. The 3200 block of Oakhurst Drive was closed for several hours for the investigation and re-opened at 3:20 p.m., …
NJ Man Could Get Up to 146 Years In Prison For Sexually Assaulting PA Girl: DA NJ Man Could Get Up to 146 Years In Prison For Sexually Assaulting PA Girl: DA
NJ Man Could Get Up to 146 Years In Prison For Sexually Assaulting PA Girl: DA A New Jersey man is facing up to 146 years in jail after being convicted for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old Lehigh County girl, according to a Friday, Nov. 15 news release. Spartak A. Fedorovich, 38, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, was found guilty of all charges relating to the sexual assault, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  Charges against Fedorovich stem from an investigation by Upper Saucon Township police who were dispatched to a home for a report of suspicious activity on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022 , according to the district attorney's news release. Off…
Lehigh County Police Officer Charged For Swiping $5K In Drug Money: DA Lehigh County Police Officer Charged For Swiping $5K In Drug Money: DA
Lehigh County Police Officer Charged For Swiping $5K In Drug Money: DA An Allentown Police vice officer is facing charges for stealing more than $5,000 in cash following a drug bust, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office said in a Friday, Nov. 15 news release. Jason Michael Krasley, 47, of Upper Milford Township, was charged after an investigation found that he stole $5,500 in cash while in the 1300 block of Chew Street in May 2019, following a drug bust, according to the district attorney's office. Krasley pocketed the money from a stash of $16,000 found in the basement ceiling of the Washington Barbershop, located at 1129 Hamilton Street, which was us…
Repeat Flasher Exposed Himself To Yet Another Child: Lehigh County DA Repeat Flasher Exposed Himself To Yet Another Child: Lehigh County DA
Repeat Flasher Exposed Himself To Yet Another Child: Lehigh County DA A 63-year-old man has been sentenced after exposing himself to a young girl on a public street — again, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Nov. 8. Blaine Alan Arner, of Tamaqua, was ordered to serve seven-and-a-half to 15 years in prison after a hearing held Thursday, Nov. 7, according to District Attorney's Office. Arner must also serve 15 years of probation and register for life as a sexually violent predator, the district attorney's office said. The incident happened when Arner exposed himself to a 9-year-old girl who was walking her dogs with three other …
PA Man Sentenced To Up To 50 Years In Jail For Murder: DA PA Man Sentenced To Up To 50 Years In Jail For Murder: DA
PA Man Sentenced To Up To 50 Years In Jail For Murder: DA A Bethlehem man who pleaded guilty to Third-Degree Murder in a 2023 homicide and robbery was sentenced on Monday, Oct. 21, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office said. Abner Juarbe, 19, was sentenced to serve 22 to 50 years in state prison, according to the district attorney's office. Juarbe shot and killed 39-year-old Darnell Thompson on Thursday, March 23, 2023 in the 500 block of North Fourth Street in Allentown, the district attorney's office said. Juarbe shot Thompson during a fight between two teenage girls that occurred around 6:30 p.m. Thompson, of 521 North Fo…
Convicted Chester County Thief Pleads Guilty to Allentown Murder, Among 3 Other Cases: DA Convicted Chester County Thief Pleads Guilty to Allentown Murder, Among 3 Other Cases: DA
Convicted Chester County Thief Pleads Guilty to Allentown Murder, Among 3 Other Cases: DA A 22-year-old Bethlehem man has admitted to murder, and numerous other crimes the Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced on Monday, Oct. 14.  Legious Robert Minder Jr., pleaded guilty to Murder in the Third Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Firearm Prohibited for the Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, slaying of Najeer Lane, 22, of Allentown, according to the DA. Minder Jr. had been charged along with two other men for Lane's death as well as the attempted murder of Bless Jones during Allentown so…
Passenger From Allentown Dies In Hospital After Bethlehem Crash: Police Passenger From Allentown Dies In Hospital After Bethlehem Crash: Police
Passenger From Allentown Dies In Hospital After Bethlehem Crash: Police The passenger for a vehicle involved in a crash died in the hospital, the Bethlehem Police Department announced on Monday, Oct. 14. Ezequiel Hernandez-Cartagena, 20, of Allentown, has been identified as the passenger killed in the single-vehicle crash, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. Officers responded to the report of a single-vehicle crash with injuries in the 700 block of Central Boulevard at 6:53 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, police said. When they arrived, officers found a vehicle severely damaged from striking a utility pole, but no one could be found in or around it,…
Motorcyclist, 34, Killed In Lehigh County Crash Remembered Motorcyclist, 34, Killed In Lehigh County Crash Remembered
Motorcyclist, 34, Killed In Lehigh County Crash Remembered Condolences are pouring in for the 34-year-old motorcyclist killed in a Lehigh County crash Friday, Oct. 4. Jorge Pickett, of Bethlehem, is survived by two children, whose photos he shared often on social media. Many of the comments are from people who struck up unlikely friendships with Pickett, including one who said they'd only ever met online. Still, Pickett sent his online friend a birthday gift. Another was a co-worker who said their friendly conversations eventually blossomed into a friendship. Jorge, The older brother I always wanted I still can’t believe this is real why you …
Convicted Felon Arrested For Fatal Bathroom Shooting: Lehigh County DA Convicted Felon Arrested For Fatal Bathroom Shooting: Lehigh County DA
Convicted Felon Arrested For Fatal Bathroom Shooting: Lehigh County DA A 56-year-old man who was shot dead on Friday, Oct. 4 has been identified and his suspected shooter is in custody, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced.  Christopher E. Potter was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:36 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, according to the coroner's release. Elvis Miguel Perez, 34, of Bethlehem, has been charged with the following felonies in connection with this fatal shooting: Criminal Homicide, Person Not to Possess, Use, Manufacture, Control, Sell or Transfer Firearms, and Possession of a Firearm with Altered Manufacture’…
Stolen NY, NJ Cars Found In Allentown Chop Shop: Lehigh County DA Stolen NY, NJ Cars Found In Allentown Chop Shop: Lehigh County DA
Stolen NY, NJ Cars Found In Allentown Chop Shop: Lehigh County DA Ten vehicles stolen from locations around New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania were recovered from a chop shop in Allentown — leading to the arrest of the shop's owner on Friday, Sept. 27, according to authorities. Allentown Auto Works & Recycling, owned by Cesar Garcia-Martinez, 34, of Easton, was identified as a chop shop that was dismantling stolen vehicles during an investigation by the Lehigh County Auto Theft Task Force Unit, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office explained in a release on Monday, Sept. 30. The investigation began when the task force was contacted by Allen…
Murder Charge For PA Man After 'Intentional' Hit-Run: DA Murder Charge For PA Man After 'Intentional' Hit-Run: DA
Murder Charge For PA Man After 'Intentional' Hit-Run: DA Whitehall man Rajgion Davis was charged Thursday, Sept. 26 with Criminal Homicide for the Friday, Aug. 9 murder of Stephen Fistner, a pedestrian who Davis intentionally struck with his car, according to authorities. Along with the Criminal Homicide charge, 55-year-old Davis is also charged with two counts of Attempted Murder and two counts each of Aggravated Assault relating to other pedestrians endangered in the incident, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office. All charges are first-degree felonies. The charges were filed after police investigated the hit-and-run inciden…
MURDER-SUICIDE: Authorities ID Couple Shot Dead In Allentown MURDER-SUICIDE: Authorities ID Couple Shot Dead In Allentown
Murder-suicide: Authorities ID Couple Shot Dead In Allentown Authorities have identified the couple shot dead in a murder-suicide in Allentown, the Lehigh County Coroner announced on Friday, Sept. 6. Livi E. Beltran Fernandez, 44, of Allentown, was found dead of a shooting at about 1:10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, in a home on the 2000 block of East Cedar St., according to the Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio. Her cause of death was ruled a homicide. Jesus J. Cruz Ortiz, a 53-year-old man from Easton, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot at the same address, Buglio said. His cause of death was ruled a suicide.  Autopsies were completed&…
MURDER-SUICIDE: Couple Shot Dead In Allentown, Lehigh County Coroner Says MURDER-SUICIDE: Couple Shot Dead In Allentown, Lehigh County Coroner Says
Murder-suicide: Couple Shot Dead In Allentown, Lehigh County Coroner Says A murder-suicide is under investigation in Allentown, the Lehigh County Coroner announced on Thursday, Sept. 5. A 44-year-old woman from Allentown was found dead of a shooting at about 1:10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, in a home on the 2000 block of East Cedar St., according to the Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio. Her manner of death was ruled a homicide. A 53-year-old man from Easton was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot at the same address, Buglio said. His manner of death was ruled a suicide.  "The investigation remains active and on-going, however it appears John Doe s…
Late-Night Labor Day Shooting Ruled Homicide, Lehigh Coroner Says (UPDATE) Late-Night Labor Day Shooting Ruled Homicide, Lehigh Coroner Says (UPDATE)
Late-Night Labor Day Shooting Ruled Homicide, Lehigh Coroner Says (Update) Authorities have ruled that the 39-year-old man shot dead in Allentown over the Labor Day weekend was a homicide. Terrence Brunson, of Allentown, Brunson was pronounced dead on Monday, Sept. 2, at about 11:20 p.m., according to the Lehigh County Coroner. He died of a gunshot wound to the chest, the coroner said on Wednesday, Sept. 4. He was pronounced dead in the emergency department at St. Luke's Hospital, Sacred Heart Campus.  The shooting occurred on Monday, Sept. 2, at approximately 10:40 p.m. in the 500 Block of W. Liberty St. in Allentown, the coroner said. …
HOMICIDE: Whitehall Man 'Intentionally' Struck By Car, Lehigh Coroner Says HOMICIDE: Whitehall Man 'Intentionally' Struck By Car, Lehigh Coroner Says
Homicide: Whitehall Man 'Intentionally' Struck By Car, Lehigh Coroner Says A 53-year-old man's death has been ruled a homicide the Lehigh County Coroner announced on Saturday, Aug. 10.  Stephen S. Fistner, of Whitehall Township, "was a pedestrian that was intentionally struck by a motor vehicle," Coroner Daniel Buglio stated.  The fatal strike happened in 1300 block of North 14th Street at 6:05 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024, as detailed in the coroner's release.  He was pronounced dead at t Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest at 7:02 p.m. on Friday, August 9. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the c…
Boy, 17, Ejected, Killed In Lehigh County Rollover Crash: Coroner Boy, 17, Ejected, Killed In Lehigh County Rollover Crash: Coroner
Boy, 17, Ejected, Killed In Lehigh County Rollover Crash: Coroner A 17-year-old boy was killed in a late-night crash on Monday, Aug. 5 in Lehigh County, the coroner said. Javian Alexander Rivera, of Lower Macungie, was the passenger in the car the rolled over on the 2000 block of Orchard Drive around 11:55 p.m., Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio said. Javian was ejected and killed, Buglio said. An autopsy will be completed at the LCCO&FC on Thursday, Aug. 8, to determine the cause of death. In addition to the coroner's office, the Whitehall Township Police Department, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office and the Lehigh County Crash Reconst…
Man Found Dead Of Gunshot Wound In Lehigh County Man Found Dead Of Gunshot Wound In Lehigh County
Man Found Dead Of Gunshot Wound In Lehigh County A 65-year-old man from Salisbury Township was found dead of a gunshot wound, authorities said. Richard A. Costello was pronounced dead on Friday, Aug. 2, at 9:37 a.m. at his home, they said. An autopsy was completed on Monday, Aug. 5 at the Lehigh County Coroner's Office and Forensics Center.  The cause of death is a gunshot wound to the abdomen, the coroner said. The manner of death is pending an investigation, the coroner said. Costello was found at his home during a welfare check by police, who were contacted by a concerned family member. In addition to the co…
HS Football Player Riding In Pickup Flatbed Falls To Death: PA State Police HS Football Player Riding In Pickup Flatbed Falls To Death: PA State Police
HS Football Player Riding In Pickup Flatbed Falls To Death: PA State Police A 16-year-old died from injuries weeks after a serious fall from the flatbed of a pickup truck, the Pennsylvania State Police announced on Friday, July 19. The fall happened when Tucker Wessner of Heidelberg Township, Germansville, was in the flatbed or tailgate with a 17-year-old boy with an 18-year-old man in the passenger seat and a 17-year-old boy was driving the 2011 Toyota Tundra in Lynn Township on June 24, PSP Trooper Nathan Branosky detailed in the release.  As the Tundra turned off of Leaser Road onto Follweiler Court, Tucker "fell out of the truck and struck the ground," Branosky…
Father's Day Shooter At Catasaqua Playground Convicted: Lehigh DA Father's Day Shooter At Catasaqua Playground Convicted: Lehigh DA
Father's Day Shooter At Catasaqua Playground Convicted: Lehigh DA A Bethlehem man was convicted by jury for a 2022 shooting in Catasauqua, said prosecutors on Thursday, July 11.  Kian Deater, 21, could face up to 51 years in prison at his Sept. 5 sentencing, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  Shots rang out in Catasauqua Park, 501 American Street, around 7 p.m. on June 22, 2022, authorities said. Adults, children, and a group playing basketball were in the park when Deater shot at an occupied car multiple times, according to the DA's Office.  Security footage from the scene showed Deater firing a handgun while park…
Charges Filed In Deadly Shooting At 1-Year-Old's Birthday Party In Allentown: DA Charges Filed In Deadly Shooting At 1-Year-Old's Birthday Party In Allentown: DA
Charges Filed In Deadly Shooting At 1-Year-Old's Birthday Party In Allentown: DA An Allentown man faces homicide charges for the February killing of Miguel Dalmasi, prosecutors announced Tuesday, July 9.  Roberto Gonzalez, 25, is also charged with reckless endangerment and weapons offenses, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  Dalmasi, of Alburtis, was shot and killed during a birthday party for a 1-year-old relative on Feb. 17, authorities have said. The party was being held at the East Side Fire Social Hall, 405 E. Walnut St., when "several unknown men" wearing ski masks and hoodies showed up outside, according to investigators.  …
Driver Sentenced For DUI Crash That Killed Allentown Father, Husband: Lehigh DA Driver Sentenced For DUI Crash That Killed Allentown Father, Husband: Lehigh DA
Driver Sentenced For DUI Crash That Killed Allentown Father, Husband: Lehigh DA The DUI driver in a fatal 2021 crash will spend up to two decades in prison, said the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office on Friday, July 5.  John Frederick Fifield, 21, was sentenced to four to 20 years after pleading guilty to homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and related offenses, according to prosecutors.  Forty-seven-year-old Benjamin Bleiler was killed when Fifield struck his southbound SUV at the corner of Hickory Lane and Snowdrift Road in Upper Macungie, authorities said.  Bleiler's wife also suffered serious injuries including fracture…
Allentown Autozone Shooter Sentenced For Attempted Murder: DA Allentown Autozone Shooter Sentenced For Attempted Murder: DA
Allentown Autozone Shooter Sentenced For Attempted Murder: DA A man who shot at multiple people in an Allentown parking lot last year will spend up to 15 years in prison, prosecutors say.  Joshua Ortiz, 28, pleaded guilty to attempted murder in April, said the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  Authorities have said Ortiz and 22-year-old Edgar Gonzalez got into an argument with another group last June 4. Ortiz and Gonzalez were in a sedan that followed the other group to the South Fifth Street Autozone parking lot, according to officials.  They blocked the victims from driving away before Ortiz got out of his sedan and ope…
Suspects Named In 11-Year-Old's Allentown Shooting: DA Suspects Named In 11-Year-Old's Allentown Shooting: DA
Suspects Named In 11-Year-Old's Allentown Shooting: DA Authorities are looking for two men after an 11-year-old boy was shot in the head in Allentown last Thursday, June 13.  The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office says Renee Brown Jr., 20, and Jahliel Branford, 18, are both wanted on arrest warrants.  According to investigators, Brown and Branford opened fire at a group of people near North Nagle and West Allen streets. The 11-year-old victim, identified by prosecutors as K.B., remains hospitalized and is "receiving care and comfort from doctors, family, friends, and loved ones," said the DA's Office.  "We are confident th…
Pair Charged In Deadly Shooting In Allentown's Fountain Park: Lehigh DA Pair Charged In Deadly Shooting In Allentown's Fountain Park: Lehigh DA
Pair Charged In Deadly Shooting In Allentown's Fountain Park: Lehigh DA Two men are in police custody in connection with the murder of Angel Martinez-Velez, prosecutors say.  Grelvis Estevez Cabrera and Carlos Nathaniel Landesta-Agramonte are charged with conspiracy to commit criminal homicide and tampering with evidence, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  Officials have said Martinez-Velez, 25, was shot to death at the basketball court in Fountain Park last Saturday, June 1.  In a release on Thursday, June 6, the DA's Office said two vehicles were seen fleeing the park: a dark-colored Honda and a white car. Using …
Arrest Made In Deadly 2022 Allentown Shooting Arrest Made In Deadly 2022 Allentown Shooting
Arrest Made In Deadly 2022 Allentown Shooting A suspect is in custody for an Allentown murder nearly two years ago, says the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  Steven Michael Rosa is charged with criminal homicide for the shooting death of Tywon Abner, according to prosecutors.  Authorities said Abner, 33, was shot in the chest on West Allen Street on July 28, 2022. He succumbed to his wound and his death was ruled a homicide by the county Coroner's Office.  Rosa, 30, is also charged with persons not to possess a firearm due to a previous conviction for robbery, the DA's Office said.  He is being held with…