Multiple gunshots fired into occupied residence, suspect arrested

1/6/2023

RawNews1st – Today, District Attorney Terry Houck announces the arrest of 37-year-old Jonathan Cornelius, of Nazareth, in regard to the shooting in Palmer Township on Dec. 31, 2022.

Cornelius is facing charges of Aggravated Assault, Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Structure, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and related charges.

Police responded to a call of shots fired in the 2500 block of Eldridge Avenue around 1:30 p.m. Dec. 31, 2022.

Upon arrival, police spoke with the owner of the residence who said he was home when he heard what he thought to be gunshots outside his residence.

He further told police he found several holes in the walls and ceiling inside his residence that were not there prior to hearing the gunshots.

In addition, he found what appeared to be two bullet holes on the outside of his residence on the side that faces Old Nazareth Road.

An entrance bullet hole was located on the wall of the first-floor laundry room, and a bullet was found on the floor next to a laundry basket. Police collected the bullet as evidence.

During a review of exterior surveillance video from a nearby residence, four gunshots were clearly heard and seconds later police observed a maroon Subaru station wagon coming from the area of the victims’ residence, traveling south on Old Nazareth Road at a high speed at 1:22 p.m.

Through investigation, police learned 11 people were in the house at the time of the shooting, one of them a 4-year-old child.

When speaking with the homeowners, a husband and wife, police learned the wife had a brother and the two grew up in the Palmer Township residence.

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Police further learned the brother had a former childhood friend, defendant Jonathan Cornelius, who the wife thought may have been involved.

Police then spoke with the brother, who related to police Cornelius’ demeanor became concerning about a year and a half ago via phone call and text communications between the two.

When he and Cornelius were younger, he kicked Cornelius out of their band but the two maintained a cordial relationship.

Further investigation revealed the maroon Subaru was registered to a John Cornelius, the father of the defendant, in the 100 block of S. Convent Avenue in Nazareth.

Police obtained and executed search warrants for both the vehicle and the residence and seized five spent 9mm shell casings from the rear seat and cargo area of the Subaru, in addition to a 9mm handgun belonging to Jonathan Cornelius from the basement of the residence.

He stated he hasn’t driven the vehicle in several months and that his son has been driving the vehicle for the last two months.