Criminal Justice

A 56-year-old South Whitehall Township man was the victim of a shooting early Friday, according to authorities.

Gianni Santini, 17, is accused of killing 30-year-old Altaron A. Robinson after they allegedly arranged a drug deal near Governor Wolf Elementary School in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem police took a 17-year-old into custody late Friday in connection with the fatal shooting. A 30-year-old Allentown man was identified as the victim.

Bethlehem police are investigating a shooting that occurred in the 1900 block of Butztown Road on Thursday night. They've issued an arrest warrant for Gianni Santini, 17.

A Lehigh County judge sentenced Rami Abouloh to life in prison Thursday for fatally shooting his wife and wounding a man in a Whitehall Township park in 2023.

Rajgion Davis of Whitehall, was ordered by District Judge Jacob E. Hammond at a preliminary hearing Wednesday to face homicide and two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault, all first-degree felonies.

Allentown’s Cleveland School is set to be knocked down and fenced off after its new owner called it a “hot spot" and "magnet for crime." Community Action Lehigh Valley is planning to build a $20 million youth center but wants to secure the property until construction can start.

A joint enforcement detail over the weekend specifically targeted an unsanctioned car meet, a state police public information officer confirmed.

The Northampton County Department of Corrections hosted a bias training course for new hires taught by a Bethlehem-based organization that consults on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Those riding illegal dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles upon city roadways, sidewalks or bike lanes will now face first-time fines of up to $200 and potential forfeiture of their machines.

Police said they have yet to locate a murder weapon. But they indicated the arrest of Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, in the Poconos early Friday was a breakthrough. “What I can tell you is we have an individual in custody who committed these horrible crimes and I do believe our community is safe,” Police Chief James Fry said.

The child died Tuesday after he was shot in the basement of an Allentown home. Authorities said his 10-year-old brother accidentally fired a handgun the boys found.

The victim in a Tuesday night shooting incident in Allentown was an 11-year-old child shot by his 10-year-old brother, police and the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office said.

Pennsylvania State Police have arrested and charged a Glenside, Montgomery County, man with two second-degree felonies, other charges.

A three-car crash in Lower Macungie almost exactly a year ago has now resulted in several charges including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.

Bethlehem Police promised more than $1M of the money, for body-cams and retention bonuses. Some of the money will go to justice initiatives and safety programs.

Games for Gunz, a new gun buyback program in Allentown is looking to specifically target teen gun violence by offering video game consoles in return for firearms.

Lehigh County commissioners approved a nearly $1 million contract with long-term vendor Lehigh Valley Pretrial Services Inc. though several commissioners and the county controller raised concerns about transparency.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro has announced the charges against 30 individuals and 21 businesses located in Lehigh, Lebanon and Philadelphia counties. They are accused of “title washing” and re-titling stolen vehicles.

The Community Connections Partnership joins social workers from the city's Health Bureau with police officers to connect people who need help with social services. The police chief says the program has been successful, but the idea is not universally popular.

After 65 years, the Philadelphia Police Department has finally identified the victim in the city’s oldest unsolved homicide case as 4-year-old Joseph Augustus Zarelli, of West Philadelphia.

An anonymous donor gifted Northampton County's Department of Corrections a 2-year-old Labrador to assist with examining seized property.