On Saturday September 29, 2018, a car exploded on Turner and Seventh streets at around 9:30 p.m. On Sunday, it was announced that three men had died in the blast. They have been identified as Jacob Schmoyer, 26, his son Jonathan Schmoyer, 2, and David Hallmen, 66. Investigators released information that Hallmen and Schmoyer were friends. They had all died from traumatic injuries, but the manner of their death has not been determined. It is unknown why the two men were meeting, but it is thought that they were purposely at the location. Hallmen’s dog, Skippy, was also at the scene of the explosion and survived, but needed medical attention. It is believed that it was an isolated incident and that there was no threat to the public.
Information has not been released on whether the explosion was intentional or not, or what caused the explosion. Police, the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives), the FBI, and other officials have been involved in the investigation. The 700 blocks of Turner street has been closed for sanitation to clean the streets and sidewalk, as well as for investigation to occur. It is hoped to be re-opened soon, but until then, residents must be escorted in and out of their homes by police.
Lehigh County DA, Jim Martin, stated that officials believe that the “perpetrator was killed in the incident.” and believes that it was a “criminal incident.” There has been speculation on Facebook that Schmoyer was somehow involved in the blast. His family, who believe his innocence, have come forward to make statements regarding the speculation around Schmoyer. Family members said Schmoyer loved his son “JJ.” Schmoyer’s sister made a statement stating, “My brother was never the kind of person everyone is making him out to be,” she said. “Never, ever, ever in a million years would he hurt his son and he certainly wouldn’t do this to anyone else.” Another family member, Niki Tyler, stated that “everyone seems to be crucifying my cousin on social media before they even know all the facts. We are grieving and people are heartless wolves.” Schmoyer’s grandmother also believes it to be accidental. However, there is no evidence linking Schmoyer to the attack.
There is little public knowledge regarding the incident, but hopefully, in the next coming weeks, more will be revealed.