A teen from Mahanoy City is locked up in Luzerne County Prison on Criminal Homicide charges.
According to Magisterial Records, the Pennsylvania State Police have charged Ismael Valdez Batista, 17, of Mahanoy City with criminal homicide and criminal contempt involving aggravated assault for an incident on April 15, 2023, in Hazle Township.
Valdez Batista was arrested on April 15, 2023, and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Michael T. Vough.
He is being held without bond.
No specific details have released on the arrest, but the Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton say on April 15, 2023, a juvenile was arrested and charged as an adult in connection with a shooting that took place on East 23rd Street, Hazle Township.
During this shooting, several individuals were struck by gunfire. The shooter then fled the scene.
The Lehigh County Coroner's office has identified 18-year-old Rolando X. Cepeda as the victim who died from their injuries in the shooting.The investigation was being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Troop N Major Case Team.
State Police did not release information that any of the victim's died.
State Police have not said if Valdez Batista's arrest is connected to the shooting.
This story was edited from its original posting to add the identity of the victim.