BUREAU OF POLICE
TOWNSHIP OF WHITEHALL
3731 LEHIGH STREET
WHITEHALL, PA 18052
TELEPHONE: (610) 437-3042 FAX: (610) 437-9516
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 6, 2007
Subject: Criminal Attempt-Homicide / Aggravated Assault
To: News Editors / Assignment Editors
From: Chief of Police Theodore D. Kohuth
During the early evening hours on Friday August 3, 2007 at or about 7:00
PM Whitehall Police were dispatched to 514 Windsor Street, within Whitehall
Township, for a report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers learned that the
victim, David Minera M-43 was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute with his
step-son, Jerome Vega M-21. The domestic dispute culminated with both
Minera and Vega fighting in the front yard of the residence.
The victim sustained cutting and stabbing injuries to the neck and chest
area. He was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital for treatment. The
offender, Jerome Vega, fled on foot from the residence but was taken into
custody a short time later by members of the Whitehall Police. Whitehall
Detectives immediately initiated a criminal investigation into the matter.
As the direct result of the on-going criminal investigation the offender was
identified, and upon approval of the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office,
has been charged with the following offenses:
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Criminal Attempt-Homicide / Aggravated Assault
Whitehall Police
Defendant: Jerome Anthony Vega: Male-21 YOA
Last known address:
514 Windsor Street
Whitehall, Pennsylvania
Offenses: Criminal Attempt-Homicide
Aggravated Assault
Simple Assault
Recklessly Endangering Another Person
Criminal charges have been lodged before Lehigh County District Judge
Donna Butler on Friday August 3, 2007. The offenses are alleged to have
occurred at the residence of the victim and his spouse, Brenda Vela-Minera.
The offender, Jerome Anthony Vega, has been identified investigatively by the
Whitehall Police and he is the son of Brenda Vela-Minera.
Vega was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Donna Butler and
committed to Lehigh County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail. Whitehall Police
were assisted by the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office and Pennsylvania
State Police Forensic Services Unit.
Note: Primary Investigator: Detective Michael Marks
End/TDK
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