Maria Guzman-Rodriguez, a 44-year-old woman of Hispanic ethnicity from Allentown, PA, was tragically found shot to death outside Lineage Logistics in Upper Macungie Township early on the morning of July 15, 2022. She was arriving at work for her 4 a.m. shift when she was killed. Her death was ruled a homicide by the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.
The investigation revealed that Jose Vidal Angeles-Bencosme, 57, was responsible for her death.
Angeles-Bencosme told police he thought he was targeting his estranged wife's boyfriend when he fired several shots into the vehicle Guzman-Rodriguez was in. However, Guzman-Rodriguez was the one who suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Angeles-Bencosme had rented a car and driven to the warehouse the day after Guzman-Rodriguez obtained a Protection from Abuse order against him due to threats he had made.
Angeles-Bencosme was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and carrying a firearm without a license. He later pleaded guilty to these charges and was sentenced to 23 ½ to 47 years in state prison. The case was investigated by Upper Macungie police Detective Justin M. Wheeler and former Lehigh County district attorney Detective James Bruchak, and prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorneys Jared J. Hanna and Debra G. Naish.
The tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of protection orders in safeguarding victims. Guzman-Rodriguez's death has left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and the community, who continue to seek justice and closure.
