UPDATE: Total of 8 people shot in Allentown overnight in chaotic spree of gun violence
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A 1-year-old boy and 44-year-old woman were the victims in a deadly Friday night shooting in the city – one of two scenes where police were called for reports of gunfire just a few blocks apart, authorities said.
The two victims were found in a house in the 100 block of Chestnut Street, said Lehigh County District Attorney-elect Gavin Holihan.
Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio ruled their deaths as homicides.
Neighbors said as police arrived in the block shortly after 9 p.m., between Ridge Avenue and North Wood Street in the First Ward, they were called to reports of more gunfire about four blocks north near Ridge Avenue and West Gordon Street.
Holihan said he had no information on the shooting scene at Ridge Avenue and West Gordon Street.
Allentown police Capt. Daniel Gross Jr. said police were investigating two separate shooting incidents and more information would be released Saturday. There was no word on any arrests.
It wasn’t immediately clear if anyone was hurt at the second scene at Ridge and West Gordon.
The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office was called to Chestnut Street, a narrow one-lane street lined with rowhomes across from Harrison-Morton Middle School.
Buglio said the shooting there occurred about 8:50 p.m. and he pronounced the woman and child dead at the scene. Their relationship was not disclosed.
"Both victims have been identified and their families notified," Buglio said in a prepared statement Saturday morning. "However, due to these tragic circumstances, I am not releasing their identities at this time, thus allowing the families to grieve privately.
"I personally want to offer my prayers and condolences to the families, friends and everyone affected by this incident."
State Rep. Joshua Siegel said he was confident police would bring those responsible for the violence to justice.
“I awoke this morning like many members of our community, sickened, angry and heartbroken over another night of senseless violence in our city," Siegel, D-Lehigh, said in a prepared statement.
"I offer my sincerest condolences to the families afflicted by last night’s shootings, and I stand with the many Allentonians who are tired of watching their neighborhoods and streets be stained with the blood of gun violence."
The Morning Call of Allentown reported Friday night's killings brought the city's homicide count this year to 18.
“Allentown is a resilient city, and I know we won’t let these tragedies define us," Siegel said. "I have endless faith in our community partners, our police department, and our stakeholders to work together to bring safety and security to every neighborhood and every block.
"I stand ready to support them in whatever way they need.”
Police, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office and the coroner’s office were continuing to investigate. Autopsies would be scheduled for Tuesday, said coroner said.
This report will be updated.
