Pocono News Section

Teen Shot to Death in Hazleton

Teen Shot to Death in Hazleton - Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 6:25PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 @ 06:25pm EST
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY -- A Luzerne County teenager is dead after violence breaks out at a late-night house party. Eyewitness News has an exclusive interview with the victim's family -- who has a message for the murderer.

Friends and family gathered to mourn at Lorenzo Soriano, Jr.'s home in Hazleton. Someone shot him to death early Saturday morning. He was 19 years old.

We spoke to his father through a translator. He told us his son was a good kid. Lorenzo Soriano Sr. said, "He always behaved good at home and never got into trouble."

Lorenzo's family told us he loved spending time with them - listening to music and playing basketball. His cousin Anthony Soto said, "He was a very energetic kid. He liked playing games and was always with us."

Lorenzo spent Friday evening enjoying a pizza with his family. He then went out with friends.

He ended up at an apartment building on McKinley Street in Hazleton. A fight broke out at about 3:00 A. M.

Sources tell Eyewitness News the fight started inside the apartment building and then spilled out onto the street where witnesses say they heard at least 5 gunshots fired.

Lorenzo, the youngest of five sons, was dead. His uncle had a message for the killer. "Let him know how much pain he brings for the whole family - for his cousin - for his father - for the sister," said Franklin Soto.

Lorenzo's young cousin said he had looked forward to playing the video game "Call of Duty" with him. Now he plans on putting that game on his grave.

"He really liked that game and I really never got to play it with him so I wanted to leave something there to let him know," said Anthony Soto.

His father wants everyone to know. Lorenzo will not be forgotten. "He loved him so much and he was always by his side," said his father.

The District AttorneyÕs office is investigating the shooting and would not identify a suspect or provide any additional information.