Man charged with involuntary manslaughter in death of 3 year old boy, DA says
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Man charged with involuntary manslaughter in death of 3 year old boy, DA says

ALLENTOWN, Pa - District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced criminal charges have been filed in the death of a 3-year-old boy in Allentown, according to a news release from the Allentown Police.


According to police, 28 year old Jose Hilario Abreu, of Allentown, is charged with Involuntary manslaughter in which the victim is under 12 Years of Age and two counts of endangering the welfare of children; violating a duty of care which creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury for a child age 6 and younger.


All charges are graded as felonies of the second degree.


PHOTO courtesy Mike Nester


Abreu was arraigned today by District Judge Ron Manescu and bail was set at $250,000 cash, according to police. He was committed to Lehigh County Jail.


His arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. April 12, 2024.


On March 28, 2024 at approximately 11:53 a.m., Lehigh County 911 Communications Center received a 911 call in which a female said her 3-year-old son grabbed a gun and shot himself in the chest.


The victim, identified as Elijah Abreu Borgen, was found with life-threatening injuries and taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest, but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.


Elijah Abreu Borgen died from a gunshot wound of the torso and his death was ruled accidental by Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio.


The investigation revealed that Jose Hilario Abreu had a loaded handgun while in the home with Elijah and a second child who is 2 years old, according to the news release.


Jose Hilario Abreu stated that he placed the handgun under the sofa the two toddlers were sitting on and left the room. He further stated that while he was in another room, he heard a loud bang and returned to find Elijah suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.


The investigation revealed that a Glock 19 semi-automatic handgun was left unattended and fully loaded with a live cartridge in the chamber by Jose Hilario Abreu. Evidence further revealed that when the gun was discharged, it was unholstered and resting atop of a pillow on the couch where both toddlers were sitting, according to the news release.


A rapid gunshot residue test was performed on Elijah after his death and yielded a presumptive positive indication for gunshot residue on his hands.


The case was investigated by Allentown Police Detectives Joseph Beiner and Harold Bonser as well as the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, and the Lehigh CountyFirearm and Toolmark Laboratory. The Pennsylvania State Police assisted with the arrest of Abreu.


The case will be prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Sara A. Moyer and Senior Deputy District Attorney Sarah Heimbach.


As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; and the defendant, Jose Hilario Abreu, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.


Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of this little boy.



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