On October 17, 2020, 21-year-old Christian Lopez Rodriguez, a male of Hispanic ethnicity, was fatally shot near the Hamilton Street Bridge in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The incident was later ruled a homicide. Rodriguez was found shot in the 100 block of East Hamilton Street and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after.
The investigation into Rodriguez's death revealed that he was approached by Jose Santiago, 39, who demanded they "run their pockets" while brandishing a gun.
Rodriguez's companion handed over his wallet, but Rodriguez punched Santiago, prompting Santiago to shoot him. Rodriguez's companion then pulled out a gun and shot Santiago before fleeing the scene. Santiago was seen jumping over the railing of the bridge and getting into a gold-colored SUV driven by Latasha Santiago, 35, who had dropped him off near the scene.
In February 2024, Jose and Latasha Santiago were charged with multiple felonies, including homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, and robbery. Jose Santiago was also charged with attempted homicide and other related misdemeanors. The arrests followed an extensive investigation that included ballistic evidence linking Santiago's firearm to the crime.
The case has drawn significant attention, with community members holding vigils and calling for justice for Rodriguez. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Allentown Police Department continues to seek any additional information that may aid in the prosecution of those involved.
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