In the early hours of September 5, 2024, the life of 44-year-old Livi Enid Beltran Fernandez was tragically cut short in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide. A native of Puerto Rico, the Hispanic mother was found deceased inside a residence in the 2000 block of East Cedar Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Lehigh County Coroner's Office later confirmed that she had died from multiple gunshot wounds, and her death was officially ruled a homicide.
The Allentown Police Department, in conjunction with the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, responded to the scene around 12:17 a.m.
At the same location, investigators discovered the body of 53-year-old Jesus J. Cruz Ortiz of Easton. The coroner determined that Ortiz died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and his death was ruled a suicide. Authorities have identified Ortiz as the sole suspect in the death of Beltran Fernandez. The investigation concluded that no other individuals were involved in the incident. While the investigation remains officially open, law enforcement has indicated that no further criminal conduct is suspected.
Livi Enid Beltran Fernandez was a beloved cafeteria server at Harrison Morton Elementary School in Allentown. In the wake of her death, her family started a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses. She is survived by her two children, Yaniel Fonseca Beltran and Tina D. Perez-Beltran, as well as her siblings and extended family. Her daughter, Tina, remembered her as 'an absolute light and kind soul in the world' and expressed that her mother 'didn't deserve to die the way she did.' A coworker recalled her infectious smile that 'lit up a room' and her joyful spirit, particularly her happy yell on Fridays. The community was left to mourn the loss of a cherished mother, colleague, and friend.
