ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Authorities have released the identity of an Allentown woman allegedly shot to death by her ex-boyfriend.
22-year-old Jerkera Battle was pronounced dead at her W. Turner Street home yesterday morning.
Upon completion of an autopsy, officials at the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office determined Battle died from a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death was ruled homicide.
The incident took place yesterday at approximately 4:15 a.m. at a residence in the 700 Block of W. Turner Street, Allentown.
According to court documents, 27-year-old Adam Makowka, the victim’s ex-boyfriend, was armed with an AR-15 when he entered Battle’s apartment through a roof access door.
Police say the 22-year-old woman and her 3-month-old infant were in a bedroom when Makowka started shooting.
Makowka then allegedly ran from the home, jumped in his car and was tracked by police to Lansdowne, Delaware County where he was arrested.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan revealed Tuesday there was a custody dispute between the victim and Makowka over their 3-month-old child.
In addition to the coroner’s office, the Allentown Police Department, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office are conducting this ongoing and active investigation.
Makowka is scheduled for a preliminary hearing July 29.
A GoFundMe has been created to support the family.Â