The unidentified home owner advised him to leave. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com, incident at a Bethlehem Township hotel room. The shooting happened in the garage of Leones home after the men engaged in a heated confrontation in Leones driveway. Colonial Regional police are investigating a shooting Sunday afternoon that left one person dead at a strip mall in Lower Nazareth Township. According to defense attorney Robert Goldman, Leone, frightened by the approach of the much larger Pickell, backed up 18 feet to the rear of the garage, where he picked up a shotgun. 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. Bethlehem Township man acquitted of all charges in shooting death of BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. The attorney for a Northampton County man accused of shooting and killing a neighbor during a dispute claims the killing is "a classic case of self defense.". 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 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. Houck said Pickells death has been ruled a homicide. He always helped any neighbor. Mother of man slain in Bethlehem Township, 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, Mother of man slain in Bethlehem Township shooting says he was best friends with neighbor: Ill never understand, Few leads, false alarms as search for Texas gunman drags on, Serena Williams reveals second pregnancy at Met Gala, At least 6 dead after dust storm causes crashes on Illinois highway, May Day: Worlds workers rally, France sees pension anger, Authorities charged Joshua Leone, 35, with homicide, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Ferrando was hit in the leg, the release said. Two of the men were shot by an occupant of the house,. Some said the shooting was out of character for the area of multifamily homes with large trees in front yards just off Easton Avenue. She said she saw Leone in his garage, holding a shotgun and revolver and inviting Pickell to come inside. {Morning Call file photo) Seconds after fatally shooting his neighbor, a . Error! Authorities charged Joshua Leone with a single count of homicide. Testimony in Lehigh Township murder: 'Johnny, what are you doing There was a problem saving your notification. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Standoff in Bethlehem Township after shots fired at police Bethlehem Twp. 1 dead, 1 hurt after apparent neighbor dispute in Moore Twp. He was a very good neighbor, a great father. Goldman dismissed the testimony of Pickells girlfriend, who admitted she and Pickell had twice smoked marijuana in the hours before the shooting. Pickells wife told investigators she pleaded with her husband to walk away, police said. Gets a little rowdy on Fourth of July, but otherwise quiet., This is a neighborhood where something like this doesnt happen, she said. A man is charged with criminal homicide for shooting his neighbor in the back during an argument Tuesday afternoon in Bethlehem Township, police said. You have permission to edit this article. Bethlehem, PA News - The Morning Call Leone went to his garage, and she told police she saw him holding a shotgun and revolver and inviting Pickell to come inside. Strunk, of Stroudsburg, is charged with Criminal Homicide, Possession of an Instrument of Crime, and Firearm Not to be Carried without a License. I want to thank Chief Gregory Gottschall and his officers for their immediate response and attention to detail in this case. On Monday, March 27, District Attorney Terry Houck announced criminal homicide charges against 76-year-old William Arthur Strunk in relation to a July 2022 shooting that left one victim dead. Jurors got the case around 2:30 p.m. Monday and worked until about 9 p.m. She told Gomez to hurry up and get the children inside. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. A suspect was taken into custody without incident, police said. Four men were charged in an early morning home invasion in Bethlehem Township, the Northampton County district attorney's office said. One person was killed and another injured in a shooting at a busy shopping center in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He's charged in the Tuesday afternoon homicide in the 3000 block of Clifton Avenue in Bethlehem Township. 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What the men were arguing about was never clear. According to a news release, Millito Delgado, 45, Michael Matas, 29, Francis Ferrando, 23, and Anthony Santiago, 29, entered the house on the 2000 block of Willow Park Road around 4 a.m. Thursday. Instead, the verdict sided with Leone, who contended he was justified in fatally shooting Pickell, who lived across the street from Leone on Clifton Avenue. They were considering whether Leone was guilty of first-degree murder, as prosecutors contended, or lesser charges of third-degree murder or voluntary homicide. Police said there is no danger to anyone residing in the area. In an act of self-defense, one of the occupants shot defendants Matas and Ferrando. Joshua Leone of Bethlehem Township was charged with homicide in the death of Kenneth Pickell in February. That shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 500 block of Longacre Drive in the Cherryville section of Lehigh Township. The man attempted to get into a home on. Some sun to start, then increasing clouds with a few scattered rain showers still possible, but not nearly as wet as the weekend. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Pickells wife reported the couple was walking around the residential neighborhood and found Leone allegedly breaking up furniture in front of his home. . 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. Im disappointed, Augustine said following the verdict. Police investigate the scene of a fatal shooting shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue in Bethlehem Township. No matter how long you do these cases, every case is fraught with a lot of emotion, Goldman said after the verdict. 98 South Main Street 'Not Handling the Pandemic Well': Attorney Says Suspect Lost Job Bethlehem Township officer involved in standoff: 'My instincts kicked They are currently in police custody, while Santiago remains at large. Charges announced for deadly Lehigh Twp. shooting Are other banks to follow? App of the Day: Poolsuite FM, What the Tech? Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at [email protected]. He also said her testimony had changed; at Leones preliminary hearing in April 2021, she said she hadnt entered the garage, but testified on Friday that she had. 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. As investigators look for answers, so do the people who live in the community. 1:10. The victims were transported to local hospitals,. This was attention-seeking behavior., Morning Call reporter Dan Sheehan can be reached at 610-820-6598 or [email protected]. All defendants in crime reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Bethlehem Township police called the incident a shooting, and said one person was shot. 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. Pictured, Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania man, Justin Kephart. 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? man will claim self-defense in deadly shooting, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. The shooting occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue, a news release states. Police impound the vehicle of John Michael Hann of Bushkill Township on Oakland Road in Bethlehem Township after a standoff when police attempted to apprehend Hann in connection with a Lehigh. District Attorney Houck commended the Bethlehem Township Police Department for their swift response to the situation. 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. Officials said the affidavit spelling out the circumstances of the case will remain sealed to protect the investigation. Authorities are investigating a shooting that left a man dead Friday night in Allentown. 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 Pickell inside, court records say. Were just in a state of shock because Josh is the nicest person, the kindest person, she said. It adds up to premeditation, not self-defense, the prosecutor insisted. They, along with Delgado, were in custody. Leone came out of his home with his hands in the air and was arrested without incident, police said. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial in Northampton County Court. Police found a gunshot wound to Pickells left upper back area. Police said a suspect was taken into custody without incident. William Leone said his brother missed the birth of his third child, a son, during his time in jail awaiting trial. I felt like we had some good arguments and good evidence for a first-degree murder conviction. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek pronounced the victim dead at the scene and ruled the death a homicide. The day after a shooting left 31-year-old Kenneth Pickell dead in his neighbors driveway, the victims mother said what led to the suspected gunman opening fire on her son remains a mystery. 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 sorry he cant get two years of life back, he said. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek ruled the death a homicide at a. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Error! homicide. The events leading to the Feb. 23, 2021 slaying were partially captured by the security camera on Leones home. Person shot outside home in Lower Towamensing Suspect in Vestal officer-involved shooting also accused in PA Our journalism needs your support. 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 . According to the criminal complaint, Pickell's wife told the police that her husband had gotten into an argument with Leone and when Pickell turned to leave, Leone fatally shot him in the back. Pickell was 31, Houck said Tuesday night. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for March 9 before District Judge Patricia Broscius to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial in Northampton County Court. The woman looked up from tending to her dog to see Pickell and Leone arguing in Leones driveway, according to court records. Matas suffered seven gunshot wounds to the back and is currently in critical but stable condition, with an expected recovery. BETHLEHEM, PA - Four suspects were charged with robbery and home invasion in Bethlehem Township early Thursday morning, according to District Attorney Terry Houck. There was a problem saving your notification. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. They were close at one time, according to testimony. App of the Day: Poolsuite FM, What the Tech? Anyone who made have surveillance video of the surrounding area should contact Bethlehem Township police, Houck said. Success! Hes not a violent person, hes not an angry person. A Northampton County jury is now deciding the fate of a Bethlehem Township man charged with shooting his neighbor in 2021. Few details are available, but Troopers say an unidentified 26 year old man went to a home along Ziskand Road just after 10 p.m. A resident told 69 News gunshots were. Suspect charged in Bethlehem Township homicide, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Motive in Bethlehem Township deadly shooting a - lehighvalleylive 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. She saw things getting out of hand and walked over to plead with her husband to walk away. Her son moved in with her after living in Maine for about three years, she said. 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. Troopers say a vehicle pulled up to a home on Hahns Dairy . A pile of broken-down furniture sat in the trunk of a white pickup truck outside Leones house. The resident said the victim has not lived in the neighborhood for very long. Its unclear why Kenneth Pickell moved to Bethlehem from Maine; the phone disconnected after a lehighvalleylive.com reporter asked the question. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Everybody here knows everybody, she said. Morning Call reporter Andrew Scott can be reached at 610-820-6508 or [email protected]. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. But authorities said the pair had some sort of dispute before the shooting. The man, however, continued to break the screen door and attempt to make entry. And I hope I never do.. The suspects were identified as Millito Delgado, 45; Michael Matas, 29; Francis Ferrando, 23; and Anthony Santiago, 29. She reportedly told police she could see things were getting out of hand and that she walked over to the driveway of the home to plead with her husband to walk away, police wrote. 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. 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. neighbors. About two hours before the shooting, Leone called township police and claimed Pickell was a Hells Angel and had been watching him. Some sun to start, then increasing clouds with a few scattered rain showers still possible, but not nearly as wet as the weekend. Why First Republic failed. 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. 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. Man killed in apparent neighbor dispute in Bethlehem Township, DA says After about eight hours of deliberation that. 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. Road in Carbon County shut down following shooting Police looking for tips on shooting that left a Bethlehem man dead At the time, three people were in the home.. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Bethlehem Township home invasion: 4 charged, 1 man at large On Friday,. Bethlehem Twp. Bethlehem Township police charged a 35-year-old resident with homicide in the fatal shooting of his neighbor Tuesday afternoon, according to court records. I told you my son was not guilty, said Leones mother, Lidia. Amber Walters says she knows one of the neighbors involved. LOWER TOWAMENSING TWP., Pa. -- A rural road in Carbon County was shut down following a shooting. DA: Family dispute led to Lehigh Twp. homicide - 6abc Philadelphia He displayed a photo showing the ax a few inches from Pickells foot. Woman facing charges after boyfriend's drugs, gun used in shooting Bethlehem Township man who claimed self defense, 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, Bethlehem Township man who claimed self defense in shooting of neighbor acquitted of murder, Bryan Kohbergers former school district wont talk. Few details are available, but Troopers say an unidentified 26 year old man went to a home along Ziskand Road just after 10 p.m. The Washington Broadcasting Co. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The suspects were identified as Millito Delgado, 45; Michael Matas, 29; Francis Ferrando, 23; and Anthony Santiago, 29. He was placed in Northampton County Jail without bail. But he. One person killed, another injured in shooting outside Target in Adam Zaborowski, 35, faces attempted homicide charges in both Friday's incident outside Cigars International in Northampton County's Bethlehem Township and Saturday's confrontation with police. She said Pickell began turning away from Leone when Leone shot him in the back, the affidavit states. Daniel Patrick Sheehan is a reporter covering crime and courts in the Lehigh Valley. 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. A man is charged with criminal homicide for shooting his neighbor in the back during an argument Tuesday afternoon in Bethlehem Township, police said. The neighborhood is filled with multifamily homes. Pickells girlfriend testified it was his way of showing he wasnt frightened. Delgado, Matas, and Ferrando. These were wonderful people, good people. One man was killed and another taken into custody in what police called a neighbor dispute. You have permission to edit this article. A suspect was taken into custody without incident, police said. Police then came to believe 27-year-old Anthony Joel Espinal, of the 200 block of East Third Street in Bethlehem, was staying there. L. TOWAMENSING TWP., Pa. - Pennsylvania State Police are asking for help locating the person responsible for a shooting in Carbon County. Delgado, Matas, and Ferrando. 931 were here. Matas, hit seven times, was in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive. 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. Leone and family members in the courtroom broke down into tears as the verdict was read around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday. He was then shot by the resident one time in the torso.