Suspect in Vestal officer-involved shooting also accused in PA If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. homicide shot victim in the back. Authorities investigating apparent homicide in Bethlehem Twp. The Northampton County coroner has been called to a shooting in Bethlehem Township, and one person is in custody, dispatchers and police said. 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. He always helped any neighbor. He was placed in Northampton County Jail without bail. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. It adds up to premeditation, not self-defense, the prosecutor insisted. April 26, 2023 at 3:48 a.m. See pictures from the Lehigh Valley including aerial shots over Easton SUBSCRIBER ONLY A tale of three cities: Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem struggle to address. Its just not the thing we deal with on a day-to-day basis, she added, noting shes lived in the neighborhood for four decades. 1:10. 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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. Two of the men were shot by an occupant of the house, leaving one in critical condition, and a third remained at large Thursday afternoon. He was a loving son and a loving father, Pickell said, her voice breaking with emotion. Police: Man shot when trying to get into Washington County home Caitlyn Marie Norder is being charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and felony conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, as well as misdemeanor heroin possession in the March 23 incident. Pennsylvania State Police said the 26-year-old went to his ex's house. There was never a problem. Success! Officers responded and found a woman kneeling next to a man, later identified as Pickell, lying in a pool of blood in Leones driveway, a police affidavit states. 2008-2023 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved. Ferrando suffered a single gunshot wound to the leg. Based on the length of [the jurys] deliberations, I made them think.. Daniel Patrick Sheehan is a reporter covering crime and courts in the Lehigh Valley. The. To reach Bethlehem Township police in a non-emergency, call Northampton. He told me once, Mom, I love that guy like a brother. Those two were the best of friends, Pickell said. Matas, hit seven times, was in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive. The resident said the victim has not lived in the neighborhood for very long. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek pronounced the victim dead at the scene and ruled the death a homicide. 98 South Main Street Joshua Leone of Bethlehem Township was charged with homicide in the death of Kenneth Pickell in February. Jeremy Anderson later said on scene. The affidavit has been sealed to protect the integrity of the investigation. She also witnessed that Joshua Leone was now holding a shotgun and a revolver in his hands and that Pickell began to turn around and that is when she saw Joshua Leone shoot her husband in the back, police said. But authorities said the pair had some sort of dispute before the shooting. Bethlehem Twp. gunman killed mom before shooting at cops and killing Leone moved into the garage, out of sight of the camera, followed by Pickell and his girlfriend, who soon emerged. Bethlehem Township police called the incident a shooting, and said one person was shot. State Police Washington are investigating a shooting late Sunday night In East Bethlehem Township. homicide. Bethlehem Twp. Police said there is no danger to anyone residing in the area. Lehigh Valley man who fired gun due to Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania City police were dispatched for a report of shots fired about 10:51 p.m. in the 1100 block of Maple Street . Road in Carbon County shut down following shooting Two of the men were shot by an occupant of the house,. Some said they planned to introduce themselves to the Pickells once spring came. 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. Bethlehem Township police charged a 35-year-old resident with homicide in the fatal shooting of his neighbor Tuesday afternoon, according to court records. 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. 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. Joshua Leone, 35, was arraigned on the. She also acknowledged Pickell was shot inside the garage, not on the threshold. A blue tarp hung over portions of the driveway. BETHLEHEM TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police say a man who fired shots at an employee after refusing to wear a mask inside a Lehigh Valley cigar shop has been apprehended following a shootout.. Hes being held without bail in Northampton County Jail. It is such a tragedy for any area, but here, people are in shock, said a female resident in the 3000 block of Clifton Avenue. Matas suffered seven gunshot wounds to the back and is currently in critical but stable condition, with an expected recovery. One red tarp and two yellow tarps hung in the front yard of the home. He displayed a photo showing the ax a few inches from Pickells foot. William Leone said his brother missed the birth of his third child, a son, during his time in jail awaiting trial. According to police, the mans former girlfriend lived at the home and he attempted to gain entry through a locked screen door. Delgado, Matas, and Ferrando. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Many residents said they knew Leone, a father of two with a third on the way, but not Kenneth Pickell due to him having recently moved into the neighborhood, coupled with the colder months and the coronavirus pandemic keeping most indoors. The shooting occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue, a news release states. Suspect charged in Bethlehem Township homicide, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. 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. Leone and family members in the courtroom broke down into tears as the verdict was read around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday. A Northampton County jury is now deciding the fate of a Bethlehem Township man charged with shooting his neighbor in 2021. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek ruled the death a homicide at a. Prosecutors said he was not. 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. Bethlehem Township officer involved in standoff: 'My instincts kicked The men conversed for a time. 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 Luzerne County shooting, authorities said. Houck said Pickells death has been ruled a homicide. 'Not Handling the Pandemic Well': Attorney Says Suspect Lost Job Neighbors said they didnt really know the Pickells, but described Leone, his wife and their two young children as nice people. App of the Day: Poolsuite FM, What the Tech? He was flown from the scene by medical helicopter. And I hope I never do.. Joshua Leone, 35, was arraigned on the charge in the 2:44 p.m. death of neighbor Kenneth Pickell, 31, at Leones home in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue. Pickells wife told police she, her husband and their dog exited the home to go for a walk and saw Leone breaking up furniture in front of his house, the affidavit states. Once Leone was in custody, the shelter-in-place order was lifted and the schools taken out of lockdown. 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The woman told police Josh, later identified as Leone, shot her husband. Despite sunshine with unseasonably warm temperatures on Wednesday, the neighborhood was quiet. Strunk, of Stroudsburg, is charged with Criminal Homicide, Possession of an Instrument of Crime, and Firearm Not to be Carried without a License. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Mostly cloudy with some occasional showers moving through. Amber Walters says she knows one of the neighbors involved. Its a family neighborhood where kids play on the streets, people walk their dogs and everyone greets each other in a friendly manner.. A woman who lived on nearby Lowell Place said her husband grew up with Leone when the pair attended grammar school together in Whitehall Township. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Joshua Anthony Leone, of the 3100. Police said a suspect was taken into custody without incident. Hes not a violent person, hes not an angry person. 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. 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. PHILADELPHIA - Detectives with the Philadelphia Police Department are investigating the fatal shooting of two people, which is believed to be a murder-suicide. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Our journalism needs your support. The neighborhood is filled with multifamily homes. Man killed in apparent neighbor dispute in Bethlehem Township, DA says. 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 . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. County District Attorney Terry Houck said an autopsy will determine the victim's exact cause of death, and said he could not confirm whether a gun was involved in the incident. 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. Pickell fell to the ground and began to bleed, having suffered a significant gunshot wound to the left upper back area, the police investigator wrote in court papers. Bethlehem Township home invasion: 4 charged, 1 man at large Authorities charged Joshua Leone, 35, with homicide, alleging he shot Kenneth Pickell, 31, in the back Tuesday afternoon following an argument at the end of Leones driveway in a normally quiet neighborhood of multifamily homes. Augustine said the behavior was deliberate, with Leone waiting until his wife and two children left the house before beginning his work in the driveway. This was attention-seeking behavior., Morning Call reporter Dan Sheehan can be reached at 610-820-6598 or dsheehan@mcall.com. The suspects were identified as Millito Delgado, 45; Michael Matas, 29; Francis Ferrando, 23; and Anthony Santiago, 29. The shooting occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue, a news release states. Why First Republic failed. At a court hearing Friday, Leone's attorney, Robert Goldman, said he will prove that Leone had retreated into his garage as Pickell followed him and eventually, Goldman says, forced him to grab his weapons. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Pickell was 31, Houck said Tuesday night. Image via Facebook. Police responding to the shooting told neighbors to shelter in place and had nearby Freedom High and East Hills Middle schools locked down, Police Cpl. Leone was farther from Pickell than Goldman claimed and shot him in the back, Augustine said, dismissing the claim Pickell was in the process of throwing the ax. Santiago remained at large, though police said they dont believe there is any danger to the public. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Leanne Pickell said she just bought the home in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue this past November. Authorities charged Joshua Leone with a single count of homicide. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Im disappointed, Augustine said following the verdict. No portions of this website may be reproduced, retransmitted, copied, or republished without expressed written consent from Shore News Media & Marketing, LLC. 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 told you my son was not guilty, said Leones mother, Lidia. These were wonderful people, good people. Why First Republic failed. Officers were called to the Lower Nazareth Commons off Route 248 . He was a very good neighbor, a great father. BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. - A neighbor dispute appears to have led to deadly gunfire in a Northampton County neighborhood. This is just devastating.. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Theres just a lot of good people.. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The Northampton County coroner has been called to a shooting in Bethlehem Township, and one person is in custody, dispatchers and police said. She declined to give her name due to privacy concerns. BETHLEHEM, OH - The Stark County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a shooting that occurred in Bethlehem Township on Wednesday, December 29th, 2021. This is usually a quiet neighborhood. Motive in Bethlehem Township deadly shooting a mystery to victim's mother, neighbors - lehighvalleylive.com Kenneth Pickell, 31, of Bethlehem Township, was shot Tuesday afternoon. 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Leone by that point was in the garage of his home, and the woman could hear him inviting Pickell inside, court records say. The events leading to the Feb. 23, 2021 slaying were partially captured by the security camera on Leones home. Leone came out of his home with his hands in the air and was arrested without incident, police said. East Bethlehem Township Shooting Under Investigation A pile of broken-down furniture sat in the trunk of a white pickup truck outside Leones house. Bethlehem Township - Northampton County, Pennsylvania E-mail address: bethlehempolice@bethlehem-pa.gov For Public Information Officer: PolicePIO@bethlehem The Washington Broadcasting Co. 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. Police were called to the scene of the dispute just after 2:30 p.m. and found one person dead. Bethlehem Township man charged with criminal - The Morning Call EAST BETHLEHEM, Pa. (KDKA) - Police said a man was shot trying to break into his ex-girlfriend's home in Washington County. He's charged in the Tuesday afternoon homicide in the 3000 block of Clifton Avenue in Bethlehem Township. Are other banks to follow? If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. There was a problem saving your notification. Testimony in Lehigh Township murder: 'Johnny, what are you doing Suspect in custody after shooting death Wednesday morning in Bethlehem Motive in Bethlehem Township deadly shooting a - lehighvalleylive That shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 500 block of Longacre Drive in the Cherryville section of Lehigh Township. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Error! Colonial Regional police are investigating a shooting Sunday afternoon that left one person dead at a strip mall in Lower Nazareth Township. In an act of self-defense, one of the occupants shot defendants Matas and Ferrando. He was creating a spectacle he had to know would entice Kenneth Pickell across the street, he said. 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). Jurors got the case around 2:30 p.m. Monday and worked until about 9 p.m. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial in Northampton County Court. The unidentified home owner advised him to leave. DA: Person in custody after Bethlehem Twp. The woman looked up from tending to her dog to see Pickell and Leone arguing in Leones driveway, according to court records. A warrant has been issued for her arrest at the office of District Judge Sandra McClure. LOWER TOWAMENSING TWP., Pa. -- A rural road in Carbon County was shut down following a shooting. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It will also be breezy and cool. BETHLEHEM, PA Four suspects were charged with robbery and home invasion in Bethlehem Township early Thursday morning, according to District Attorney Terry Houck. Joshua Leone, 35, was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of criminal homicide, according to online court records. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. "They were good neighbors, always said hello and waved to the kids who were always outside playing," Walters said. A male victim is dead after a reported shooting Tuesday afternoon in a Bethlehem Township neighborhood, authorities say. . The victims were transported to local hospitals,. Goldman dismissed the testimony of Pickells girlfriend, who admitted she and Pickell had twice smoked marijuana in the hours before the shooting. Standoff in Bethlehem Township after shots fired at police Bethlehem Twp. Police then came to believe 27-year-old Anthony Joel Espinal, of the 200 block of East Third Street in Bethlehem, was staying there. Everybody here knows everybody, she said. Around 4 a.m. Thursday, four men conducted a home invasion in the 2000 block of Willow Park Road in Bethlehem Township, according to the DA's office. Katy Perry 'will be replaced by a big-name star on American Idol', Saucon Valley must allow After School Satan Club to meet, judge rules, Human remains identified as missing Stroudsburg woman, Popular doughnut shop nearing completion of 2nd regional location in Bethlehem, Police say man charged in Bethlehem Twp. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Suspect shot seven times in botched home invasion in Bethlehem Suspect, his mother dead in Bethlehem Township shooting : 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. I felt like we had some good arguments and good evidence for a first-degree murder conviction. Unless otherwise stated, photos Big Stock Photography Dreamstime Photos Google Maps Thompson Reuters. Her sister-in-law lives across the street from Leone and heard the gunshot. DA: Family dispute led to Lehigh Twp. homicide - 6abc Philadelphia Are other banks to follow? The woman looked up from tending to her dog to see Pickell and Leone arguing in Leones driveway, according to court records. Prosecutor James Augustine said Leone acquired the shotgun the day before the shooting and placed it in the garage, loaded and ready to fire. It will also be breezy and cool. 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.