Kenneth Ward "Kenny" Pickell, a 31-year-old man from Bethlehem, PA, tragically passed away on February 23, 2021. Kenneth was born on May 31, 1989, in Rumford, Maine, and was the son of Kenneth A. and Leanne Pickell. He was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School and enjoyed fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family. Kenneth is survived by his parents, his son Kane David Pickell, his sister Nicole Pickell, and other family members.
Kenneth Pickell's death was the result of a
shooting incident that occurred in the garage of Joshua Leone's home on Clifton Avenue in Bethlehem Township. The incident began with a heated confrontation in Leone's driveway, which was partially captured by a security camera at Leone's home. Kenneth, appearing agitated, stripped to the waist to show off abdominal scars from a previous stabbing, which his girlfriend testified was his way of showing he wasn't frightened. The confrontation escalated when Kenneth entered Leone's garage, and Leone, feeling threatened by Kenneth's approach, picked up a shotgun. Kenneth was shot when he picked up a three-foot ax and was turning to throw it.
Joshua Leone, the 36-year-old neighbor, was charged with criminal homicide in the death of Kenneth Pickell. Leone claimed self-defense, stating that he was frightened by Kenneth's approach and fired the fatal shot when Kenneth picked up the ax. The case went to trial, and after deliberation, a Northampton County jury acquitted Joshua Leone of all charges on February 7, 2023. The jury found that Leone was justified in his actions, siding with his self-defense claim.
The events leading to Kenneth Pickell's death and the subsequent trial highlighted the complexities of self-defense claims and the challenges faced by the legal system in determining the truth behind such incidents. Kenneth's family, deeply affected by his loss, left the courtroom immediately after the verdict was read. The acquittal of Joshua Leone brought mixed emotions, with Leone's family expressing relief and sorrow for the time Leone spent in jail awaiting trial.
Kenneth Pickell's death remains a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from heated confrontations and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
