Jerkera Battle Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities have identified the woman who was fatally shot in her Allentown apartment, allegedly by her former boyfriend. The victim has been named as 22-year-old Jerkera Battle.
Battle was found dead in her home on West Turner Street early Monday morning. Officials from the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office confirmed following an autopsy that she died from a gunshot wound to the head. Her death has been ruled a homicide.
The incident occurred around 4:15 a.m. at Battle’s residence in the 700 block of W. Turner Street. According to court records, the suspect, 27-year-old Adam Makowka—Battle’s ex-boyfriend—gained entry into the apartment through a roof access door. He was allegedly carrying an AR-15 rifle at the time.
Inside the apartment, Battle was in a bedroom with her 3-month-old baby when Makowka began firing. She was struck and killed in the attack. Fortunately, the infant was unharmed.
Following the shooting, Makowka fled the scene and drove away in a vehicle. Police tracked him down later in Lansdowne, located in Delaware County, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan disclosed that there had been a custody conflict between Battle and Makowka over their infant child. The dispute is believed to be a potential motive in the tragic killing.
Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation, including the Allentown Police Department, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities describe the case as active and ongoing, with further details expected as the investigation progresses.
Makowka is currently facing charges related to the fatal shooting and is awaiting legal proceedings. A preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on July 29.
The community has been shaken by the violent act, especially considering the presence of the young child during the shooting. While the baby was not physically harmed, the trauma of losing a mother under such violent circumstances has raised deep concern and sympathy within the local community.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances of the incident, including how Makowka obtained the weapon and accessed the apartment. As the legal case unfolds, more information may become available regarding the events leading up to the shooting and the history between the victim and the suspect.
This heartbreaking case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the tragic consequences it can bring. Local officials have emphasized the importance of seeking help in cases of abusive or dangerous relationships and are encouraging anyone facing similar circumstances to reach out to support services.
