She spotted Leones wife walking the streets alone and hysterical during the incident and brought her inside her own home to take refuge. A resident told 69 News gunshots were. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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? {Morning Call file photo) Seconds after fatally shooting his neighbor, a . The Northampton County coroner has been called to a shooting in Bethlehem Township, and one person is in custody, dispatchers and police said. 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. Four men were charged in an early morning home invasion in Bethlehem Township, the Northampton County district attorney's office said. Washington, PA 15301. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Her sister-in-law lives across the street from Leone and heard the gunshot. Once Leone was in custody, the shelter-in-place order was lifted and the schools taken out of lockdown. Amber Walters says she knows one of the neighbors involved. At the time, three people were in the home.. The shooting happened in the garage of Leones home after the men engaged in a heated confrontation in Leones driveway. The woman, who didnt want her name published, received a frantic phone call Tuesday afternoon from her sister-in-law around the time her children were coming off the bus from school. One person was killed and another injured in a shooting at a busy shopping center in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County. 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. Her son moved in with her after living in Maine for about three years, she said. 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. : 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. The shooting occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue, a news release states. 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. The day before the shooting, he allegedly had been taunting Pickells girlfriend with a laser pointer. Neighbors said they didnt really know the Pickells, but described Leone, his wife and their two young children as nice people. 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. Clifton Avenue, located off Santee Road, was closed, between Millstone Drive and Lowell Place, to allow emergency vehicle access only. Santiago remained at large, though police said they dont believe there is any danger to the public. The woman looked up from tending to her dog to see Pickell and Leone arguing in Leones driveway, according to court records. 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.". Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. 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. Some said they planned to introduce themselves to the Pickells once spring came. They reconnected years later as neighbors The womans three children play with Leones two children and Leone attended church services with her family and has helped with landscaping. Pickells wife told investigators she pleaded with her husband to walk away, police said. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. 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. Although there is still much to do, I am confident no stone will be unturned in our effort to apprehend the fourth male.. She declined to give her name due to privacy concerns. 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. Prosecutors said he was not. She said Pickell began turning away from Leone when Leone shot him in the back, the affidavit states. Man killed in apparent neighbor dispute in Bethlehem Township, DA says. : 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. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. 1 dead, 1 hurt after apparent neighbor dispute in Moore Twp. 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. Neighbors peeked out of windows or watched from front porches. 1:10. The. 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. Two of the men were shot by an occupant of the house,. One man was killed and another taken into custody in what police called a neighbor dispute. Some said the shooting was out of character for the area of multifamily homes with large trees in front yards just off Easton Avenue. 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? Authorities have stated that there is no danger to the public at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. Prosecutor James Augustine said Leone acquired the shotgun the day before the shooting and placed it in the garage, loaded and ready to fire. Ill never understand [why Pickell was shot]. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A Northampton County jury is now deciding the fate of a Bethlehem Township man charged with shooting his neighbor in 2021. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Neighbors said the shooting brought a sense of uncertainty to what is normally a safe area. 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 . A moment now took his whole life away.. The affidavit has been sealed to protect the integrity of the investigation. 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. 931 were here. 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. Im disappointed, Augustine said following the verdict. Some sun to start, then increasing clouds with a few scattered rain showers still possible, but not nearly as wet as the weekend. 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. Investigators went in and out of Leones two-story brick-face/vinyl siding home with red shutters. Bethlehem Twp. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com, fatal shooting of his neighbor Tuesday afternoon. 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. Success! I dont know, Leanne Pickell replied when asked what might have led to the shooting. Goldman said Leone repeatedly told Pickell to leave, firing the fatal blast when Pickell picked up a three-foot ax and was turning to throw it. Why First Republic failed. 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. But authorities said the pair had some sort of dispute before the shooting. Bethlehem Township officers initially were asked by Wilkes-Barre Township police to locate a person in a separate incident at the WoodSpring Suites in the 4000 block of Christian Spring Road, Inspector Edward Fox previously told lehighvalleylive.com. Leone by that point was in the garage of his home, and the woman could hear him inviting Kenneth Pickell inside, according to police. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Joshua Leone, 35, was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of criminal homicide, according to online court records. 2008-2023 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. He was placed in Northampton County Jail without bail. Pickells wife also witnessed Leone holding a shotgun and a revolver and that Kenneth Pickell began to turn around and that is when she saw Leone shoot her husband in the back, court records state. Police investigating after person found dead in Bethlehem Twp. Pickell turned away from Leone, and thats when he opened fire, hitting Pickell in the upper back. 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. 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. He always helped any neighbor. They could be seen through a second-floor window taking pictures inside. . No other information is being released at this time. There was an error processing your request. Its a family neighborhood where kids play on the streets, people walk their dogs and everyone greets each other in a friendly manner.. 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. 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. Those questions have left Pickells mother, Leanne Pickell, reeling. Authorities investigating apparent homicide in Bethlehem Twp. Hes not a violent person, hes not an angry person. 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 . 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 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. 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). I got to know my client really well in the past few years, and I was convinced of his innocence.. Shapiro signs bill requiring insurers to cover preventive breast, ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women at no cost, At least 2 displaced after fire damages house in Allentown, Monday is the last day to register to vote in Pa. primary election, Berks County Trail Challenge encouraging people to get outside and improve their health and wellness, RAWA tanks back at normal levels, water conservation order lifted, Former Berks doctor to spend decades in prison for recording, assaulting underage victims, Chain serving 'quick and healthful' salads, stir-fry, desserts to open 1st Berks location, Police respond to threat at Oley Township school, RAWA lifts water conservation notice for Reading, Royals tickets go on sale for North Division Final home games, Qantas names chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson next CEO, Chinese electric vehicle brands expand to global markets. [Leone] was always working out in his garage, Rolands said. Strunk, of Stroudsburg, is charged with Criminal Homicide, Possession of an Instrument of Crime, and Firearm Not to be Carried without a License. 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 went to his garage, and she told police she saw him holding a shotgun and revolver and inviting Pickell to come inside. About two hours before the shooting, Leone called township police and claimed Pickell was a Hells Angel and had been watching him. District Attorney Houck commended the Bethlehem Township Police Department for their swift response to the situation. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. I just don't understand," saidDiane McDaniel, who has lived in the development in Bethlehem Township for more than 40 years. William Leone said his brother missed the birth of his third child, a son, during his time in jail awaiting trial. 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. "They were good neighbors, always said hello and waved to the kids who were always outside playing," Walters said. Bethlehem Township police charged a 35-year-old resident with homicide in the fatal shooting of his neighbor Tuesday afternoon, according to court records. 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. This is just devastating.. Hes being held without bail in Northampton County Jail. There was never a problem. Police said a suspect was taken into custody without incident. 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. Police investigate the scene of a fatal shooting shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue in Bethlehem Township. 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). This is usually a quiet neighborhood. The events leading to the Feb. 23, 2021 slaying were partially captured by the security camera on Leones home. 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. 98 South Main Street Unless otherwise stated, photos Big Stock Photography Dreamstime Photos Google Maps Thompson Reuters. Mostly cloudy with some occasional showers moving through. App of the Day: Poolsuite FM, What the Tech? 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. "It definitely shook the neighborhood a little, all the neighbors were calling each other and trying to figure out what was going on," Walters said. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek pronounced the victim dead at the scene and ruled the death a homicide. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. What the men were arguing about was never clear. 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. 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. Police then came to believe 27-year-old Anthony Joel Espinal, of the 200 block of East Third Street in Bethlehem, was staying there. The resident said the victim has not lived in the neighborhood for very long. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Are other banks to follow? 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. Police believe Hann shot the victims, a husband and wife. Authorities charged Joshua Leone with a single count of homicide. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The victims were transported to local hospitals,. Authorities charged Joshua Leone with a single count of homicide. 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.. All rights reserved (About Us). Were just in a state of shock because Josh is the nicest person, the kindest person, she said. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com, incident at a Bethlehem Township hotel room. Despite sunshine with unseasonably warm temperatures on Wednesday, the neighborhood was quiet. Troopers say a vehicle pulled up to a home on Hahns Dairy . homicide. "I'm just so sad and heartbroken. A man is charged with criminal homicide for shooting his neighbor in the back during an argument Tuesday afternoon in Bethlehem Township, police said. Some sun to start, then increasing clouds with a few scattered rain showers still possible, but not nearly as wet as the weekend. He was then shot by the resident one time in the torso. 2023 The Washington Broadcasting Co. All Rights Reserved. Delgado, Matas, and Ferrando. 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 Leones driveway, court papers say. 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. 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. They were considering whether Leone was guilty of first-degree murder, as prosecutors contended, or lesser charges of third-degree murder or voluntary homicide. Leanne Pickell said she just bought the home in the 3100 block of Clifton Avenue this past November. Her son was staying in her home on Clifton Avenue and had quickly made friends with Leone, a neighbor. He displayed a photo showing the ax a few inches from Pickells foot. State Police Washington are investigating a shooting late Sunday night In East Bethlehem Township. 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. At one point during the day he was seen wearing a demon mask. BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. - A neighbor dispute appears to have led to deadly gunfire in a Northampton County neighborhood. 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 an error processing your request. Daniel Patrick Sheehan is a reporter covering crime and courts in the Lehigh Valley. Success! Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Goldman dismissed the testimony of Pickells girlfriend, who admitted she and Pickell had twice smoked marijuana in the hours before the shooting. It adds up to premeditation, not self-defense, the prosecutor insisted. Leone came out of his home with his hands in the air and was arrested without incident, police said. 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. BETHLEHEM, OH - The Stark County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a shooting that occurred in Bethlehem Township on Wednesday, December 29th, 2021. He was a loving son and a loving father, Pickell said, her voice breaking with emotion. Hours later, at 6:30 p.m., police were still on scene. You have permission to edit this article. 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. man will claim self-defense in deadly shooting, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. The man, however, continued to break the screen door and attempt to make entry. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. To reach Bethlehem Township police in a non-emergency, call Northampton. She told Gomez to hurry up and get the children inside. A pile of broken-down furniture sat in the trunk of a white pickup truck outside Leones house. I want to thank Chief Gregory Gottschall and his officers for their immediate response and attention to detail in this case. There were also no fingerprints on the ax, he noted. Pictured, Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania man, Justin Kephart. 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. Based on the length of [the jurys] deliberations, I made them think.. These were wonderful people, good people. Matas suffered seven gunshot wounds to the back and is currently in critical but stable condition, with an expected recovery. County District Attorney Terry Houck told reporters earlier no one was else was sought in the investigation. betty martin obituary,