Hazleton Murder Trial Delayed Until December Amid Controversy

URGENT UPDATE: The murder trial for Jenndry Samuel Rodriguez Contreras, a 24-year-old York man accused of a deadly shooting during a drug deal in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has been delayed until December 15, 2023. This delay comes at the request of the defense, as defense attorney James Scanlon is currently tied up in another murder case.

The trial was originally set to commence next Monday but has been postponed due to ongoing legal proceedings in a separate case involving Frangel Garcia Andujar. That trial, concerning a shooting at an underage drinking party, ended in a mistrial when a juror was photographed in court.

On October 7, 2022, Rodriguez Contreras allegedly opened fire at the rear of 199 S. Wyoming St., resulting in the death of Felix Dini, a 22-year-old from Freeland, and wounding Rochell Angel “Chi-Chi” Reyes-Cruz, aged 23, from Hazleton. This shooting marked a significant violent incident in the area, drawing attention to ongoing concerns about drug-related violence.

Rodriguez Contreras is currently behind bars at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility without bail. Notably, he is also wanted for murder in the Dominican Republic, adding complexity to his legal situation. He is the third individual charged in connection with this shooting; the previous defendants, Keliana Lineth Moronta Jimenez and her boyfriend Wellington Javier Marte Ramirez, were acquitted on all charges.

NEXT: The case has sparked significant public interest, and residents are urged to stay alert as the new trial date approaches. Legal experts are closely monitoring the situation, given its implications for ongoing drug-related violence in the region.

As developments unfold, this case will likely continue to impact the community and raise questions about the judicial process in cases involving serious criminal allegations. Stay tuned for further updates as the trial date nears and more information becomes available.