A 21-year-old Kenyan native in Bethlehem was shot and killed Saturday night on Eighth Avenue in the city’s west side, according to the Lehigh County coroner’s office.
Ian Juma was pronounced dead just after midnight at St. Luke’s University Hospital-Fountain Hill. The shooting was reported near Eighth Avenue and West Union Boulevard — close to the Rose Garden.
Authorities released no details. Bethlehem police said only that officers were called to 744 Eighth Ave. at 10:18 p.m. Saturday.
At Juma’s apartment at 3117 East Blvd., no one was home Sunday evening. Neighbor Theresa Rivera said Juma lived there with his girlfriend, Jasmine Brown, and their 2-year-old son.
“He was a very caring, loving father, who was very good to her,” said Rivera, who works with Brown.
Rivera said she received a text message from Brown early Sunday morning: “I won’t be in to work tomorrow, Ian was killed.”
An autopsy is planned for Monday morning, the Lehigh County coroner’s office said. He ruled the cause of death a homicide.
The coroner’s office, Bethlehem police and the Lehigh County district attorney’s office are investigating.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Bethlehem Police Department at 610-865-7187 or Detective Brad Jones at 610-865-7146.- The Morning Call
