BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A 15-year-old boy has been charged in a deadly shooting in Bethlehem, Northampton County.
Authorities said it happened during a gathering on Friday, right before the city’s Halloween trick-or-treating.
The Lehigh County Coroner said Jose Yapor De Los-Santos, 21, died two days later.
Investigators said they found a gun inside a home on the 1100 block of Maple Street in Bethlehem. They responded around 5:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Police Captain William Audelo said there was a group of four people in a bedroom, hanging out and playing video games, before gunfire rang out.
But the gun was already in the room before the gathering, according to Audelo.
“We were able to determine that the firearm did not belong to the juvenile, nor anyone that was present in the room,” said Audelo.
A 15-year-old was taken into custody and is being held on aggravated assault charges.
Rich Rolen | for WFMZ-TV
“He did show remorse,” Audelo said.
Bethlehem Police and the Northampton County District Attorney’s office are working to amend those charges to include criminal homicide.
“The suspect was initially charged with aggravated assault because the victim was still technically alive at that point,” said Audelo.
Neighbors describe Maple Street as quiet and calm.
“Never felt unsafe. No, it’s been quite a nice neighborhood,” said Jim Lillegard, a three-year resident.
Lillegard lives a few doors down from where the shooting happened.
“It’s surprising any time something like that happens,” said Lillegard.
The community is left to mourn and remember a life they said is gone too soon.
“To lose such a young person is devastating,” said Audelo.
“It’s very sad,” said Lillegard.
The Lehigh County Coroner said an autopsy is set for Tuesday.
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