UPDATE: The murder trial of Jenndry Samuel Rodriguez Contreras, a 24-year-old man from York, has been delayed until December 15, following a request from his defense team. This urgent development comes just days before the trial was set to commence, highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding the case.
Rodriguez Contreras faces serious charges for allegedly opening fire during a drug deal gone wrong on October 7, 2022, at 199 S. Wyoming St. in Hazleton. This tragic incident resulted in the death of Felix Dini, 22, from Freeland, and left Rochell Angel “Chi-Chi” Reyes-Cruz, 23, from Hazleton, seriously injured. The trial was initially scheduled to begin next Monday, sparking significant public interest.
The delay was prompted by defense attorney James Scanlon, who filed a motion for a continuance due to his involvement in a separate murder trial. That case, involving Frangel Garcia Andujar, 23, who is accused of shooting five individuals at an underage drinking party in Hazleton, ended in a mistrial on Tuesday after a juror was reportedly photographed in court.
Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas approved the motion, pushing Rodriguez Contreras’ trial back to mid-December. This decision reflects the complexities of ongoing legal proceedings in the area, as Rodriguez Contreras, an undocumented immigrant, was already wanted for murder in the Dominican Republic at the time of his arrest.
Compounding the situation, Rodriguez Contreras is the third individual to face charges related to the shooting. The previous defendants, Keliana Lineth Moronta Jimenez and her boyfriend Wellington Javier Marte Ramirez, were acquitted of all charges in earlier trials, raising questions about the evidence and outcomes in this tragic case.
Currently, Rodriguez Contreras remains incarcerated at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility without bail, awaiting the rescheduled trial. This case continues to unfold, drawing community attention and highlighting issues of violence and justice in Hazleton.
As developments emerge, residents and legal observers will be watching closely. The public’s interest in the case is expected to grow, especially with the new trial date approaching. Updates will follow as this story develops further.
