URGENT UPDATE: The murder trial of Jenndry Samuel Rodriguez Contreras, a 24-year-old accused of a deadly shooting in Hazleton, has been delayed until December 15, 2023. The decision to postpone was made at the request of the defense, who cited a scheduling conflict.
This trial was set to commence on Monday, but defense attorney James Scanlon filed a motion for a continuance due to his involvement in a separate murder case. That case, which involves Frangel Garcia Andujar, ended in a mistrial earlier this week when an individual was seen photographing the jury.
Rodriguez Contreras faces serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault, stemming from a violent incident on October 7, 2022. During a drug deal gone wrong at the rear of 199 S. Wyoming St., he allegedly shot and killed Felix Dini, 22, of Freeland, and injured Rochell Angel “Chi-Chi” Reyes-Cruz, 23, of Hazleton.
The legal troubles surrounding Rodriguez Contreras are compounded by his status as an undocumented immigrant already wanted for murder in the Dominican Republic. He is the third person charged in connection with this case. Two others, Keliana Lineth Moronta Jimenez and her boyfriend Wellington Javier Marte Ramirez, were previously tried and acquitted of all charges related to the incident.
Currently, Rodriguez Contreras remains incarcerated at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility without bail as he awaits his rescheduled trial. The implications of this case reverberate through the Hazleton community, highlighting issues of violence and the complexities of the legal system.
As the trial date approaches, community members and families of the victims are left waiting for justice to unfold. The next steps in this case will be closely monitored as the defense prepares for the delayed proceedings.
Stay tuned for further updates as this case develops.
