Update: Shooting Victim Identified; Report Says Family Held Hostage

A 29-year-old South Whitehall man was shot multiple times early Monday morning when three armed men dressed in black broke into his home at 2998 South Drive.

South Whitehall police Sgt. Thomas Gersbach identified the victim as Jermaine Herod. He said Herod was rushed by family members to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he is still being treated.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said two others were treated for minor injuries that were not the result of gunshots.

Gersbach said the Herod family awoke to the three armed men, who intended to rob the family. In the process, Jermine Herod was shot multiple times inside the home, he said.

Seven people were in the house at the time.

South Whitehall police were called at 4:25 a.m.

Gersbach did not disclose how the armed men gained entry to the home, located in a picturesque neighborhood off Cedar Crest Boulevard.

Homeowner Linden Herod told WFMZ that the family was held hostage, according to the TV report.

Police were on the scene all morning, removing the police crime tape about 12:20 p.m. In the late afternoon, family members were cutting pieces of wood to apparently shore up the home.

Neighbor Malcolm Lewis said the family that lives at 2998 South Drive consists of a mother and father with three grown sons, two of whom played football for Parkland High School before graduating. He said the two youngest sons attend college out of the area, but may have been home for the Easter holiday. He said the oldest son, who was apparently shot, is a music promoter.

Police are asking that anyone with information call the South Whitehall police at 610-398-0337 or 610-437-5252.