UPDATE: Easton man named as gunman in Palmer Twp. killing
UPDATE: Palmer homicide suspect in custody, district attorney says
Authorities were investigating a homicide Thursday night in the parking lot of Auto Zone on 25th Street in Palmer Township, Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek confirmed.
The male victim was in a sedan parked in one of the business' spots, Lysek said.
The investigation began about 7:20 p.m. with the report of a shooting in the parking lot.
Easton and Wilson Borough police secured a separate scene in the 1400 block of Lehigh Street in the city. Officers there deferred to Palmer police for information.
Lysek and his office were investigating along with the Northampton County District Attorney's Office and Palmer, Wilson and Easton police.
District Attorney John Morganelli also responded to the scene outside Auto Zone, where responders put up tarps around the driver's side of the car.
Investigators placed evidence markers in the neighboring two spots.
A woman whose daughter was sobbing nearby in the lot said they understood the victim was pursued into the lot, where a gunman fired into the vehicle.
"He was being followed," the mother said. "The dude followed him in here."
The newer car, with Pennsylvania registration, had damage to its rear passenger side bumper.
In Easton, police secured a car with damage to its passenger side front.
The homicide comes as Palmer and county authorities continue to investigate the unsolved murder of 25-year-old Michael Davis last Nov. 21 outside his Eldridge Avenue home in the township.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.