Bethlehem Township officers were dispatched to assist a woman who appeared motionless outside a home on Dennis Street, but were met by a flurry of gunshots that led to a standoff and shelter in . There was a problem saving your notification. : Local economists weigh in after 3rd bank failure in last 2 months, Baby alligator temporarily staying in the Poconos after being found at sewage plant in Allentown, LVHN offering 2nd dose of bivalent COVID-19 booster shot for people 65 and older, immunocompromised people, Work to replace busy bridge connecting Lehigh, Northampton counties is underway; there's some good news for commuters, Allentown Service Plaza to close at night during the week as crews do paving work, High Delaware River water levels lead to additional safety requirements at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area this week, Gov. How to make sure your tax refund, other mail doesn't get stolen, Cher splits from rumoured fianc Alexander AE Edwards, Ed Sheeran tells how he was comforted by Stormzy the day Jamal Edwards died, Noel Gallagher splits with rumoured new girlfriend Dorothea Gundtoft, Katy Perry to be replaced by big time stars on American Idol while she performs at King Charles coronation, Anna Wintour appears to confirm rumoured romance with Bill Nighy at Met Gala, CT: RESTAURANT PREPS FOR KING'S CORONATION, RAW: NY: MET GALA RED CARPET ARRIVALS (MORE), American Idol Top 8 Decided in Twist After Judges Song Contest (RECAP), NY: MET GALA KARL LAGERFELD COSTUME INSTITUTE. Leanne Pickell stated in The Morning Calls report that Kenneth Pickell quickly became friends with the shooting suspect, 35-year-old Joshua Anthony Leone, upon moving back to the area. Leone came out of his home with his hands in the air and was arrested without incident, police said. In an act of self-defense, one of the occupants shot defendants Matas and Ferrando. Strunk, of Stroudsburg, is charged with Criminal Homicide, Possession of an Instrument of Crime, and Firearm Not to be Carried without a License. A woman beside the body told police Josh had shot her husband, whom she identified as Pickell, police Investigator Edward Fox III wrote in the court records. After about eight hours of deliberation that began Monday afternoon, the jury found Joshua Leone, 36, not guilty in the Feb. 23, 2021 death of Kenneth Pickell, 31. I got to know my client really well in the past few years, and I was convinced of his innocence.. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial in Northampton County Court. They could be seen through a second-floor window taking pictures inside. Suspect charged in Bethlehem Township homicide, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. There was an error processing your request. Are other banks to follow? Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. But Pleasant Valley turned over records for Idaho case, Police investigating body found near burned pickup truck on Schuylkill County road, Allentown ballot initiative could send social workers instead of police to some crisis situations, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Four men were charged in an early morning home invasion in Bethlehem Township, the Northampton County district attorneys office said. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Theres just a lot of good people.. Three people were in the house, one of whom opened fire and hit Matas and Ferrando. What led to Justin Kephart, a Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania son fatally shooting his mother before shooting himself dead after 8 hour police stand-off? The woman told police Josh, later identified as Leone, shot her husband. They were considering whether Leone was guilty of first-degree murder, as prosecutors contended, or lesser charges of third-degree murder or voluntary homicide. 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She saw things getting out of hand and walked over to plead with her husband to walk away. A Northampton County jury is now deciding the fate of a Bethlehem Township man charged with shooting his neighbor in 2021. LOWER TOWAMENSING TWP., Pa. -- A rural road in Carbon County was shut down following a shooting. A suspect was taken into custody without incident, police said. Washington, PA 15301. Leone and family members in the courtroom broke down into tears as the verdict was read around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday. A day after a shooting that left one man dead in the driveway of a Bethlehem Township home, the slain mans mother is asking the same question as the investigators who charged a neighbor with firing the fatal shot. The shooting occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue, a news release states. The Washington Broadcasting Co. But Pleasant Valley turned over records for Idaho case, Police investigating body found near burned pickup truck on Schuylkill County road, Allentown ballot initiative could send social workers instead of police to some crisis situations, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. A pile of broken-down furniture sat in the trunk of a white pickup truck outside Leones house. An autopsy conducted on the body Wednesday determined the cause of death was a single shotgun wound to the back and the manner is homicide, according to Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck. When Bethlehem Township police were called to the neighborhood Tuesday, they found a woman kneeling next to Pickell, who was lying in a pool of blood in Leone's driveway, court papers say. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Success! The suspects were identified as Millito Delgado, 45; Michael Matas, 29; Francis Ferrando, 23; and Anthony Santiago, 29. Gets a little rowdy on Fourth of July, but otherwise quiet., This is a neighborhood where something like this doesnt happen, she said. Leone went to his garage, and she told police she saw him holding a shotgun and revolver and inviting Pickell to come inside. E-mail address: bethlehempolice@bethlehem-pa.gov For Public Information Officer: PolicePIO@bethlehem Leanne Pickell told The Morning Call newspaper her son leaves behind a 5-year-old boy and played varsity football in his youth at Phillipsburg High School. "They were good neighbors, always said hello and waved to the kids who were always outside playing," Walters said. Standoff in Bethlehem Township after shots fired at police Bethlehem Twp. Police said a suspect was taken into custody without incident. All defendants in crime reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Three hours before being wounded in an officer-involved shooting on Route 17 in Vestal, police say the suspect was in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he opened fire at a gas station. The woman told police she and Pickell were going out for a walk around the residential neighborhood just west of Santee Road, and exited the house to find Leone breaking up furniture in front of his home, police said. Bethlehem Township police charged Joshua A. Leone with a single count of homicide in connection with the fatal shooting of Kenneth Pickell in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue Tuesday. 4 men charged in Bethlehem Township home, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Human remains found in Stroudsburg identified as woman missing since last year, 4 men charged in Bethlehem Township home invasion; 2 were shot by resident, one is at large, Bryan Kohbergers former school district wont talk. There was an error processing your request. His. Bethlehem Township police called the incident a shooting, and said one person was shot. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Leone was arraigned Tuesday night before District Judge Jacqueline Taschner on a single count of criminal homicide, and was sent to Northampton County Prison without the possibility of bail, police said. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Im sorry he cant get two years of life back, he said. {Morning Call file photo) Seconds after fatally shooting his neighbor, a . Police said a suspect was taken into custody without incident. Matas suffered seven gunshot wounds to the back and is currently in critical but stable condition, with an expected recovery. Russia missile attack on Ukraine injures 34, damages homes, May Day: Worlds workers rally, France sees pension anger, FDIC recommends raising insured deposit limit for businesses, Biden, top lawmakers to discuss debt limit at WH May 9, Kia and Hyundai Thefts Could Affect Your Insurance Rate Soon, Treasury's Yellen says US could default as soon as June 1, What the Tech? There were also no fingerprints on the ax, he noted. Police investigating after person found dead in Bethlehem Twp. Houck said Pickells death has been ruled a homicide. A 29-year-old homeless woman is facing her own set of charges following an incident at a Bethlehem Township hotel room, in which her boyfriend allegedly possessed drugs and a handgun involved in a . Although there is still much to do, I am confident no stone will be unturned in our effort to apprehend the fourth male, he said. I felt like we had some good arguments and good evidence for a first-degree murder conviction. Authorities say the shooting. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The woman, identified in court papers as MK, told police that her husband had been shot by Josh, the neighbor. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com, fatal shooting of his neighbor Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 6:37 a.m. Stark County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the 9500 block of Sherman Church Avenue SW in Bethlehem Township in response to an individual who had been . Videoshowed Pickell crossing the street to Leones driveway, followed by Pickells girlfriend. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Pickell said her son, a Phillipsburg High School alum who played varsity football for the Liners, left behind a 5-year-old son whom he adored. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I wanted to console her, Dominguez said. He died at the scene a short time later. homicide. Some sun to start, then increasing clouds with a few scattered rain showers still possible, but not nearly as wet as the weekend. And I hope I never do.. Her son moved in with her after living in Maine for about three years, she said. A blue tarp hung over portions of the driveway. They were close at one time, according to testimony. No portions of this website may be reproduced, retransmitted, copied, or republished without expressed written consent from Shore News Media & Marketing, LLC. William Leone said his brother missed the birth of his third child, a son, during his time in jail awaiting trial. Bethlehem Township Police Officer John Meehan spent five years as a cop in Baltimore, a city that has one of the highest crime rates in the country and in 2017 set a new homicide record. Im disappointed, Augustine said following the verdict. Prosecutor James Augustine said Leone acquired the shotgun the day before the shooting and placed it in the garage, loaded and ready to fire. District Attorney Houck commended the Bethlehem Township Police Department for their swift response to the situation. It will also be breezy and cool. man will claim self-defense in deadly shooting, 'Can't wait to see everyone': After 3-year hiatus, beloved Easton deli nears reopening, How do you know your money is safe? Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com, shooting left 31-year-old Kenneth Pickell dead, 2000 to today: The best Lehigh Valley high school football players of the past two decades. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. A moment now took his whole life away.. Neighbors said they didnt really know the Pickells, but described Leone, his wife and their two young children as nice people. Image via Facebook. You have permission to edit this article. Ferrando suffered a single gunshot wound to the leg. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The Northampton County coroner has been called to a shooting in Bethlehem Township, and one person is in custody, dispatchers and police said. All rights reserved (About Us). Hes not a violent person, hes not an angry person. A 26-year-old man was flown by medical helicopter to an area hospital after being shot in East Bethlehem Township, Washington County, Sunday night. Unless otherwise stated, photos Big Stock Photography Dreamstime Photos Google Maps Thompson Reuters. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Prosecutors said he was not. Amber Walters says she knows one of the neighbors involved. The neighborhood is filled with multifamily homes. In the 911 call after the shooting, Leone repeatedly made the same claim that Pickell was a member of the biker gang. She said she was tending to the dog when she looked up and saw Pickell and Leone arguing in Leones driveway. An autopsy determined he died from a single gunshot wound to his back. L. TOWAMENSING TWP., Pa. - Pennsylvania State Police are asking for help locating the person responsible for a shooting in Carbon County. He was a loving son and a loving father, Pickell said, her voice breaking with emotion. BETHLEHEM, PA - Four suspects were charged with robbery and home invasion in Bethlehem Township early Thursday morning, according to District Attorney Terry Houck. Troopers say a vehicle pulled up to a home on Hahns Dairy . Delgado, Matas, and Ferrando. She said Pickell began turning away from Leone when Leone shot him in the back, the affidavit states. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. 1 dead, 1 hurt after apparent neighbor dispute in Moore Twp. Why First Republic failed. Police were called to the scene of the dispute just after 2:30 p.m. and found one person dead. The men are each charged with three counts of robbery with attempted serious bodily injury, two counts of possessing an instrument of crime, burglary, simple assault and related charges. Two of the men were shot by an occupant of the house,. Police found a gunshot wound to Pickells left upper back area. Pickell was 31, Houck said Tuesday night. I told you my son was not guilty, said Leones mother, Lidia. Jurors got the case around 2:30 p.m. Monday and worked until about 9 p.m. A Northampton County jury on Tuesday acquitted a Bethlehem Township man of all charges in the shooting death of his neighbor nearly two years ago. Although there is still much to do, I am confident no stone will be unturned in our effort to apprehend the fourth male.. According to the affidavit of probable cause for charging Leone, police dispatched for a male victim shot with a shotgun at Leones home discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood in the driveway. Pictured, Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania man, Justin Kephart. A suspect was taken into custody without incident, police said. The woman looked up from tending to her dog to see Pickell and Leone arguing in Leones driveway, according to court records. Police investigate the scene of a fatal shooting shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue in Bethlehem Township. Pickells girlfriend said he was prompted to go across the street because Leone was acting strangely, playing loud music and using a hatchet and machete to break up furniture in the driveway. He was creating a spectacle he had to know would entice Kenneth Pickell across the street, he said. homicide shot victim in the back, Suspect charged in Bethlehem Township homicide, In-person Bethlehem Township municipal meetings to resume in June, Bethlehem Township proposes special permits for large events, Testimony begins at trial of man charged in neighbor's shooting death, 'Can't wait to see everyone': After 3-year hiatus, beloved Easton deli nears reopening, How do you know your money is safe? Mostly cloudy with some occasional showers moving through. District Attorney Terry Houck credited the Bethlehem Township police with first-rate work., I want to thank Chief Gregory Gottschall and his officers for their immediate response and attention to detail in this case, he said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Pickell was a standout two-way (offense and defense) lineman who made lehighvalleylive.coms 2000 to today: The best Lehigh Valley high school football players of the past two decades list. Leone by that point was in the garage of his home, and the woman could hear him inviting Kenneth Pickell inside, according to police. Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck said Wednesday that investigators are still looking into the specifics of the argument, and why it led to a deadly outcome. . All rights reserved (About Us). This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. 1:10. Neighbors said the shooting brought a sense of uncertainty to what is normally a safe area. The affidavit has been sealed to protect the integrity of the investigation. man will claim self-defense in deadly shooting, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. I just don't understand," saidDiane McDaniel, who has lived in the development in Bethlehem Township for more than 40 years. They, along with Delgado, were in custody. Some said the shooting was out of character for the area of multifamily homes with large trees in front yards just off Easton Avenue. It will also be breezy and cool. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Pickells wife told police she and her husband went outside to walk the dog and noticed Leone breaking up furniture in front of his house. You have permission to edit this article. Leone was arraigned Tuesday night before District Judge Jacqueline Taschner on a single count of criminal homicide, and was sent to Northampton County Prison without the possibility of bail. Responding officers shortly after 2:30 p.m. found Pickells wife beside him as he was lying in a pool of blood in the driveway. State Police Washington are investigating a shooting late Sunday night In East Bethlehem Township. Authorities have stated that there is no danger to the public at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. No matter how long you do these cases, every case is fraught with a lot of emotion, Goldman said after the verdict. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. All four defendants are facing charges of 3 counts of Robbery Attempt Serious Bodily Injury, 2 counts of Possession of Instrument of a Crime, Burglary, Simple Assault, and related charges. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Joshua Anthony Leone, of the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue, is accused of fatally shooting Kenneth Pickell shortly after 2:30 p.m. in Leones driveway, authorities said. The men conversed for a time. About two hours before the shooting, Leone called township police and claimed Pickell was a Hells Angel and had been watching him. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. There was never a problem. I dont know, Leanne Pickell replied when asked what might have led to the shooting. That shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 500 block of Longacre Drive in the Cherryville section of Lehigh Township. Pickells wife reported the couple was walking around the residential neighborhood and found Leone allegedly breaking up furniture in front of his home. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek ruled the death a homicide at a. Man killed in apparent neighbor dispute in Bethlehem Township, DA says. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Its unclear why Kenneth Pickell moved to Bethlehem from Maine; the phone disconnected after a lehighvalleylive.com reporter asked the question. Pickell turned away from Leone, and thats when he opened fire, hitting Pickell in the upper back. She was tending to the dog when she noticed Pickell and Leone arguing in the driveway.
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