Jeomy Miguel Soto, 19, was killed by gunfire behind a residence on the 500 block of West Washington Street in Allentown on the evening of Thursday, January 22, 2026. Police were called around 9:16 p.m.; Soto was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital‑Muhlenberg and pronounced dead at 9:50 p.m. An autopsy by the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide from multiple gunshot wounds.

Within 24 hours authorities arrested 17‑year‑old Yaniel Fermin and charged him as an adult with criminal homicide. Police allege the shooting began during a dispute over money tied to the sale of THC vapes; a witness said they had arranged to meet someone nicknamed Po to collect money. The witness and the person identified as Fermin reportedly fought, and Fermin then allegedly produced a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fired at least two shots, one of which struck Soto. Fermin was also charged with possession with intent to deliver controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a minor and was held at the Lehigh County Jail without bail.

Are there readers who knew Jeomy, the people involved, or who were in the West Washington Street area that night and can share information?