Bethlehem Begins Thanksgiving Week With a Homicide

Thanksgiving week in Bethlehem started with a homicide. On November 24, shortly before 2 am, 911 dispatchers received a call from Ebony Anniqua Jones, age 31, of the 1200 block of Wodbine Street. She informed them that she had just thrown a knife at a male visitor. That male visitor, Ismael Bonets, age 37, was pronounced dead less than an hour later. The deceased and Jones were the parents of a six year old girl. Jones has two other children, and all three lived with her. Bonets had come from New York City for a parent-teacher conference.

Detective Moses Miller stated that there was no record of prior incidents at the Jones home, and that her three children (aged 6, 9 and 11) were being looked after by friends.

Jones admitted the stabbing.

"It is a clue to a holiday," remarked Chief Mark DiLuzio, "We don't want to see this kind of thing." Northampton County District Attorney John Morganell called the case "a real tragedy. The caretaker of these three children is now in custody."  He authorized thefiling of a general charge of homicide, which could range from first degree murder to involuntary manslaughter.

Morganelli and Bethlehem police urged people who feel the pressure of the holidays to seek help. There are a lot of resources in the Lehigh Valley," Morganelli noted.

The domestic violence hotline number is 1-800-799-7233. "No fees, no names, no judgment. Just help."