By Trend News Line 2024-04-19 20:29:21.
**Gabriel Cartagena Faces Upheld Charges in Allentown Double Homicide**
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A Lehigh County district judge on Friday upheld all charges against Gabriel Cartagena, the suspect in the tragic double homicide that took place in Allentown on Dec. 29. The horrific incident resulted in the deaths of a 1-year-old child and his grandmother. Cartagena, a 43-year-old resident of the 800 block of West Liberty Street in Allentown, now faces nine counts related to the shooting that occurred in the 100 block of Chestnut Street.
**Preliminary Hearing and Plea**
During Friday’s preliminary hearing before District Judge Karen Devine at the Lehigh County Courthouse, Cartagena’s defense attorney, Kathryn Smith, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. District Attorney Gavin Holihan introduced testimony from Leandro Ortiz, the husband of the shooting victim Ada Ortiz, 44. Their 13-month-old grandson, Sebastian Serrano Jr., was also tragically killed in the incident.
**Details of the Incident**
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According to testimony provided during the hearing, the shooting took place while the family was at home on a Friday night between Christmas and New Year’s. Leandro Ortiz recounted that he and his wife were at home with three of their grandchildren when a man they did not recognize knocked on their door. The man immediately began shooting upon Ada Ortiz opening the door, leading to chaos and tragedy within the family home.
**Video Evidence**
Video footage from the family’s surveillance system played in court depicted the harrowing events that unfolded that fateful night. The suspect, identified as Cartagena, was seen walking through the neighborhood before approaching the victims’ home. The video captured the suspect knocking on the door, brandishing a handgun, and opening fire as soon as the door was opened.
**Witness Testimonies**
Leandro Ortiz, who sustained injuries during the shooting while protecting his grandson, bravely testified against Cartagena in court. He identified Cartagena as the individual responsible for the deaths of his wife and grandson. Additionally, Alexy Lopez, Sebastian’s mother and Leandro Ortiz’s daughter, provided her testimony regarding the tragic incident.
**police Investigation and Evidence**
Police investigators meticulously traced Cartagena’s movements before and after the shooting, gathering crucial evidence that linked him to the crime scene. Surveillance video, DNA analysis, and witness testimonies all pointed towards Cartagena as the perpetrator of the heinous act. The presence of a tan baseball cap, similar to one worn by the suspect in the video footage, further connected Cartagena to the crime.
**Legal Proceedings**
Cartagena, who is being held without bail, faces charges including two counts of homicide and prohibited possession of a firearm due to a prior criminal conviction. The next step in the legal process involves a formal arraignment in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, paving the way for a potential trial or plea deal.
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**Contact Information**
For any inquiries or information, please reach out to Kurt Bresswein at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Stay tuned for updates on this case as it progresses through the legal system..
– Shooting victim identifies suspect
– Victim identifies suspect in court.
