Family launches fundraiser for mother killed in tragic allentown murder-suicide

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The family of Livi E. Beltran Fernandez, a beloved mother who was tragically killed in a murder-suicide on September 5, 2024, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover funeral costs. The heartbreaking incident, which occurred at a home in the 2000 block of East Cedar Street, left the family devastated and struggling to navigate their grief.

According to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, Fernandez, 44, of Allentown, died from gunshot wounds in what has been ruled a homicide. The coroner identified Jesus J. Cruz Ortiz, 53, of Easton, as the perpetrator, who then died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both were pronounced dead at the scene around 1:10 a.m. on Thursday.

In a deeply emotional statement on the fundraising page, Fernandez’s daughter, Tina, described her mother as “an absolute light and kind soul in the world.” She explained the financial difficulties the family is now facing as they try to organize funeral arrangements, sharing that they are new to this experience and appreciate any support the community can offer.

“We are currently grieving very much and this is our first person in the family who has died. We are trying to navigate and find a way to pay, and when we think that’s all, another cost comes up,” Tina wrote. “My mom was so loved and she was such an amazing person. She lit up the room wherever she went and cared so deeply about everyone.”

Tina also shared details of the upcoming services for her mother, inviting those who knew Fernandez or wished to offer support to attend. The viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Sell-Herron Funeral Home in Allentown. The burial will follow at Cedar Hill Memorial Park Cemetery.

The tragedy has left the community in shock, with many expressing their condolences and offering support to the family during this difficult time. Those wishing to help the family with funeral expenses are encouraged to contribute through the GoFundMe page, as the family navigates both the emotional and financial burdens of this devastating loss.

“We thank you so much to everyone who has reached out and has helped us. We hope to see you all soon,” Tina added.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.