Authorities search for 2 armed, dangerous men accused of shooting 11-year-old in north Allentown alley

Authorities are searching for two men they say are responsible for the shooting of an 11-year-old boy last week in an alley north of Allentown.

Jahliel Branford, 18, and Renee Brown, 20, both of Allentown, each face attempted murder and criminal conspiracy to commit homicide charges, as well as misdemeanor possession instruments of crime and charges of reckless endangerment.

Lehigh County Prosecutor Gavin Holihan and Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca announced the charges Thursday morning at a news conference in Allentown. The two men are described by authorities as “armed and dangerous”.

Branford and Brown, shortly after 3:30 p.m. on June 13, opened fire in the area of ​​North Nagle and Allen streets, city police said. Several toddlers and children were playing in the alley when the 11-year-old was shot in the head, according to city police.

The suspects then fled in a vehicle. The child was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, where he remained Thursday, authorities said.

Investigators seized shell casings at the scene believed to have been fired from two semi-automatic weapons carried by Branford and Brown, Holihan said.

Authorities have obtained arrest warrants and are searching for the suspects.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann can be contacted at [email protected].