Man in custody after Whitehall park shooting
BY KELLY LUTTERSCHMIDT
klutterschmidt@tnonline.com
An Allentown man is behind bars after a double shooting June 13 at West Catasauqua Park, 2301 Pine St., Whitehall Township.
One of the victims, Patricia White, 35, also of Allentown, died.
Rami Abouloh, 41, has been charged with homicide, attempted homicide and two counts of aggravated assault.
According to reports, the shooting happened just before 7 p.m. in a parking lot at the park.
Tape marking the crime scene was placed by Whitehall Township police, who posted on Twitter that victims had, in fact, been taken to the hospital.
White died in the emergency room of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, according to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio, who ruled her death a homicide. He said White’s death was caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
A male also shot sustained injuries to the chest and arm, according to reports.
Abouloh was taken into custody by Allentown police after he reportedly called 911 and alerted them that he had shot White, whom he identified as his wife, and a man.
In addition to the coroner’s office, Whitehall Township Police Department, with assistance from the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office and the Allentown Police Department, continues to investigate.
Abouloh was arraigned June 14 before Magisterial District Judge Todd Heffelfinger. Bail was denied, which is protocol in the case of homicide charges. He was transported to Lehigh County Jail.
His preliminary hearing, originally set for June 20, has been continued until Aug. 9.
A memorial of flowers and White’s photo has been placed inside Dunkin’, 2364 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, where she reportedly worked.
A note beside a donation box reads, “In loving memory of a beautiful soul that was taken too soon from us. She was a good mother and friend to all.
“We are accepting donations to help her family. Rest in paradise. We will always love you, Patty, and keep your memory alive always.”