WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Authorities say a man stabbed and killed his father in Whitehall Township Tuesday night.
Daniel Latorre Jr., 21, of Whitehall, is charged with felony counts of Homicide and Aggravated Assault- Attempts or Causes Serious Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon, as well as a misdemeanor charge of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (Pocket Knife), the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
Whitehall Township Police were called to a stabbing at a home on the 700 block of Second Street around 8:30 p.m., the DA’s office said.
The DA’s office said Latorre Jr. stabbed his father, 40-year-old Daniel S. Latorre.
First responders at the scene attempted life-saving measures, but Latorre died from his injuries, according to the news release.
Rich Rolen | for WFMZ-TV
Latorre was pronounced dead Tuesday shortly before 9:30 p.m. at a local hospital, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio said in a news release.
Buglio said Latorre died as a result of sharp force injuries. He said he’s ruling the manner of death homicide.
The DA’s office said a second victim was also injured during what appears to be a domestic dispute between the three family members who lived at the home.
It started with a verbal dispute between the female victim and Daniel S. Latorre, the DA’s office said. During the argument, Latorre Jr. was armed with a pocketknife that he used to stab his father with, the DA’s office said.
Latorre Jr. admitted to recording the argument with his iPhone, according to court paperwork.
Latorre Jr. was arraigned on the charges and is in Lehigh County Jail without bail, the DA’s office said. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 21.
Buglio said his office will conduct an autopsy on Latorre Thursday.
“On behalf of the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center, we extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Mr. Latorre’s family and loved ones,” Buglio said.
“We recognize the profound grief that comes with the sudden loss of a loved one and keep his family and friends in our thoughts during this very difficult time.”
The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center, the Whitehall Township Police Department, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, and the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force are investigating. The Pennsylvania State Police Forensic Services Unit is assisting with the investigation.