On January 14, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., 19-year-old Luis Manuel Luna of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot in the arcade and lobby area of the Regal Cinema located on Laurel Mall Drive in Hazle Township. The assailant fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene. Luna was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton, where he succumbed to his injuries on January 15.
Pennsylvania State Police have characterized the incident as a targeted attack, indicating that Luna was specifically singled out by the shooter. Despite the public nature of the crime, authorities believe it to be an isolated event. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the suspect remains unidentified. The Troop N Major Case Team is actively investigating the homicide. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Hazleton at (570) 459-3890.
In the wake of Luna's death, a GoFundMe fundraiser was established to assist his family with funeral expenses and to support his grieving mother. The community has been encouraged to come forward with any information that could aid in apprehending the perpetrator. Trooper Anthony Petroski emphasized the importance of public assistance in solving the case, stating, "We’re only as good as the public that we serve."
