Arrest made in 2020 murder case

District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced Feb. 15 that two arrests have been made in connection with an Allentown killing and robbery that occurred in 2020.

Jose Santiago, 39, and his current wife, Latasha Santiago, 35, both of Allentown, are charged with Criminal Homicide, Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Homicide, Robbery – Inflict Serious Bodily Injury, Robbery – Threaten Serious Bodily Injury and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery; all felonies of the first degree.

Jose Santiago is also charged with Attempt to Commit Criminal Homicide, a felony of the first degree; as well as Theft by Unlawful Taking and Receiving Stolen Property, both misdemeanors of the second degree.

On Oct. 17, 2020 at approximately 3:25 p.m., Allentown Police were called to the 100 block of East Hamilton Street at the bridge for a report of a man who was shot. A person who called 911 said after the shooting, the suspect jumped over the side of the bridge and got into a gold sports utility vehicle.

Police found the victim, 21-year-old Christian Lopez-Rodriguez, with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Lopez-Rodriguez succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Businessman faces more charges

The owner of an Allentown title insurance company is facing additional charges that have been levied against him.

Officials said he failed to properly disperse funds he received during real estate sales on behalf of sellers he represented.

According to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan, Louis Belletieri, 42, of Allentown and owner of Legacy Title, is facing additional charges that include eight counts of corrupt organizations, 10 counts of failure to make required disposition of funds, and nine counts of receiving stolen property.

Belletieri was originally charged with the same charges in October 2023.