Jonathan Valcourt-Irizzary, a 38-year-old male of Hispanic ethnicity, tragically passed away on November 27, 2020, in Lebanon, PA. He was a beloved tattoo artist and a cherished family man. His death was the result of a fatal shooting that occurred during a birthday party at a tattoo shop on Cumberland Street. An argument broke out between Valcourt-Irizzary and another individual, Jonathan Butler-Arocho, which escalated and moved into the alley next to the tattoo shop. During this altercation, Andres Rodriguez, a 23-year-old male of Hispanic descent, pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at Valcourt-Irizzary. Valcourt-Irizzary was struck 10 times, including in his head, chest, and stomach, and was rushed to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, Rodriguez fled the scene but was later arrested by U.S. Marshals in January 2021 at a hotel in York County. He was charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, and possession of a firearm prohibited. Rodriguez was found guilty of first-degree homicide and possession of a firearm prohibited after a three-day trial in April 2023. He received a life sentence without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 5 to 10 years for possession of a firearm prohibited. During the trial, it was revealed that Rodriguez had a prior record and was on probation at the time of the shooting, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
The death of Jonathan Valcourt-Irizzary was a tragic and avoidable incident that deeply affected his family, friends, and the community. His loved ones remember him as a humble, loving, and amazing individual whose smile could light up a room. His legacy lives on through the memories and impact he had on everyone he met.
