Two Boys Shot and Killed While Playing with Their Kittens

Two boys were killed in a heartbreaking triple homicide on May 31, 2023, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, leaving a community in shock and disbelief. Eight-year-old Jesus Perez-Salome and nine-year-old Sebastian Perez-Salome were fatally wounded while innocently playing with their kittens outside their home. The shooting also killed 19-year-old Joshua Lugo-Perez.

Two men, 22-year-old Alex Torres-Santos and 16-year-old James Fernandez-Reyes, were arrested in connection to the incident. A third suspect, a mystery man, is still being pursued by law enforcement. It is believed that the men and Lugo-Perez had a previous disagreement. Police believe that Lugo-Perez was the intended target.

Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello said of the tragedy, “Truly heartbreaking.” Similarly, Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf commented, “There are two children dead as a result of this incident. They were outside playing with their kittens; they had nothing to do with this.”

Authorities will investigate if the death penalty is applicable in the case.

The shooting of Jesus and Sebastian Perez-Salome is a tragedy that has left the residents of Lebanon in shock and filled the families of the victims with sorrow and grief. Just moments before they were struck down, the two boys were living life as two innocent children should, reveling in the joy of playing with their furry friends.