On the evening of May 14, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Allentown Police responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of 4th and Tilghman Streets. Upon arrival, officers discovered 27-year-old Jose Tirado-Ramirez of Bethlehem suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight. The Lehigh County Coroner's Office later confirmed that the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, classifying the incident as a homicide.
In the course of their investigation, authorities identified two suspects: 45-year-old Adalberto Morales-Ortiz of Bethlehem and 21-year-old Axel Fontanez-Morales of Whitehall. Both individuals were arrested and charged with criminal homicide in connection with Tirado-Ramirez's death. The arrests were announced on May 15, 2023, following a swift investigation by the Allentown Police Department.
The tragic death of Jose Tirado-Ramirez has deeply affected his family and the local community. A GoFundMe campaign was established by his family to assist with funeral expenses, reflecting the community's support during this difficult time.
As the legal proceedings against Morales-Ortiz and Fontanez-Morales continue, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Tirado-Ramirez. This incident has also heightened concerns about gun violence in the area, prompting calls for increased efforts to address and prevent such tragedies in the future.
