17-Year-Old Charged as Adult in Allentown Shooting Death Over Vapes

Jan. 24, 2026

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

A 17-year-old Allentown male faces charges as an adult in a homicide, according to a statement from Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca.

Yaniel Fermin, who will be 18 on Feb. 20, was charged with criminal homicide, possession with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by a minor, according to the joint statement. He is being held in Lehigh County Jail without bail.

Allentown police responded the 500 block of West Washington Street on Friday at 9:16 p.m. after a report of a man shot in the back. The weapon used was a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, according to the statement.

Jeomy Miguel Soto, 19, died at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Muhlenberg.

The press release said Fermin, also known as “Po,” got into a fight with another person about the sale of THC vapes and shot Soto, who was nearby.

Although Fermin is under 18, he can be charged as an adult at the discretion of the District Attorney.

Here’s the statement from Holihan and Roca: