Homicides last year in Allentown reached a low not seen in more than 30 years.
There were four homicides in the city the entire year, a significant drop from the year prior. It was the fewest since 1989, when there were five, city officials said Thursday.
There were 17 homicides in 2023 and nine in ’22, which was the next lowest number in recent years, according to data from the Lehigh County coroner’s office.
Mayor Matt Tuerk during a news conference Thursday commended police and community organizations, such as Promise Neighborhoods and the Ortiz Ark Foundation, for the decline in homicides and other crimes.
“It’s an all-city effort,” he said. “It’s a commitment to safety.”
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said his office continues to work with community organizations, which can help facilitate cooperation with police investigations because they have earned trust with Allentown residents. He also mentioned that his office has been making arrests quickly, which limits retaliation in cases like murder.
“We’re not done, we’re going to keep working,” he said.
Police Chief Charles Roca said new technology, such as license plate reader cameras and gunshot detection systems, contributed to the lower numbers. He said those tools were used in about 350 police investigations last year.
He encouraged residents to get involved with community groups.
“If you see something, say something,” he said.
City officials said community engagement programs from the police department have also fostered trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
The first homicide last year happened Feb. 17 at a birthday party on East Walnut Street. Miguel S. Dalmasi, 33, of Alburtis was killed. Police said Roberto Gonzalez, 25, of Allentown killed him following a dispute there. Gonzalez was charged in July.
Angel Martinez-Velez, 25, of Allentown was fatally shot June 1 at Fountain Park. Grelvis Estevez Cabrera, 28, of Bethlehem and Carlos Nathaniel Landesta-Agramonte, 19, of Allentown were arrested days after the shooting and charged with conspiracy to commit homicide. Investigators said they were seen fleeing the scene.
Terrance Brunson, 39, of Allentown was fatally shot Labor Day, Sept. 2, in the 500 block of West Liberty Street. No arrests have been made in his death.
Livi E. Beltran Fernandez, 44, was fatally shot Sept. 5 in the 2000 block of East Cedar Street. Jesus J. Cruz Ortiz, 53, killed her and then fatally shot himself, authorities said. The two lived in a domestic partnership, according to police.
Homicides were down countywide in 2024, but were up outside of Allentown. , an increase from two the year prior.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article had the incorrect number of homicides outside of Allentown in 2024. This has been updated.
