Pa. man charged with shooting ex-girlfriend to death in front of her baby

A man was charged with homicide and attempted homicide months after a woman was shot to death inside her apartment in front of her baby in Lehigh County, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

An investigation was launched back on July 22, 2025, after officers with the Allentown Police Department were called to an apartment on the 700 block of Turner Street for reports of a shooting just before 4:30 a.m., officials said.

When the officers got there they found 22-year-old Jerkera Battle shot to death in the hallway of the apartment, police said.

The investigation revealed that the victim’s ex-boyfriend, identified as Adam Makowka, had gotten into Battle’s apartment through a fire escape with an AR-15 style rifle before shooting her several times, officials reported.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.

Battle’s infant son was in the bedroom with her when the shooting happened, investigators said.

A witness was able to identify Makowka as the alleged suspect and investigators said surveillance cameras captured him entering the apartment building.

Makowka was arrested in a Delaware County park about two hours after the shooting happened, police said.

Makowka is facing criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault among other related charges. He is currently being held in Lehigh County Jail without bail.