On the evening of September 2, 2024, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a violent encounter cut short the life of 39-year-old Terrence Brunson. The male victim was in the vicinity of North Law and Liberty streets when he was fatally shot in the chest. Police were called to the 500 block of West Liberty Street at approximately 10:29 p.m. following reports of the shooting. Before authorities arrived, Brunson had been transported by a private vehicle to St. Luke's Hospital's Sacred Heart Campus. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead in the emergency department at 11:19 p.m.
The Lehigh County Coroner's Office later ruled Brunson's death a homicide. The investigation into the shooting was a collaborative effort involving the Allentown Police Department, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, and the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office. Law enforcement officials described the shooting as an isolated incident and stated that they did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public. For a time, no suspects were publicly identified as authorities worked to piece together the events of that night.
After a yearlong investigation, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Hector Martinez, a 26-year-old Allentown man. On September 22, 2025, Martinez was taken into custody after a running chase with police. He was charged with criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license, persons not to possess firearms, and recklessly endangering another person in connection with Brunson's death. At the time of his arrest, Martinez was found with a backpack containing fentanyl, marijuana, and cash, leading to additional charges of possession of drugs, possession with intent to deliver, resisting arrest, and evading arrest. A woman who was with Martinez at the time, identified as 22-year-old Kaelis Aviles of Whitehall Township, was also arrested and charged with obstructing the administration of law and disorderly conduct.
