Slatington man dead in homicide; ‘active’ investigation continues, authorities say

A massive police investigation continues in Lehigh County as authorities Thursday afternoon announced the homicide of a Slatington man.

David Hittinger, 37, was pronounced dead late Wednesday night, according to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio, who ruled the death a homicide.

Buglio said he is not revealing the location of Hittinger’s death. An autopsy will be completed Friday.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan scheduled a Friday afternoon news conference to provide more information about the case.

Law enforcement investigators spent Thursday combing the area near the Delaware & Lehigh Trailhead in Slatington.

“Right now all I can tell you is we have an active investigation,” state police spokesperson Trooper Nathan Branosky said Thursday morning.

Branosky declined to release additional details.

Slatington police Chief Greg Winokur posted on social media later Thursday that the incident remained under investigation and the public was not in danger.

“There is an ongoing police investigation being conducted by the Pennsylvania State and Slatington Borough police departments in the area,” Winokur said. “Due to this, you will continue to see an increased police presence. There is no threat to the community.”

At least one witness said a large police presence has been out various times since Monday night in Slatington and neighboring Washington Township. They were seen near Second and Franklin streets in the borough and along Welshtown Road.

The D&L Trailhead provides access to several trails, according to Claire Sadler, executive director of the Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor. Besides D&L, which had been informed of any police incident, there are the Slate Heritage and Lehigh River Water trails, she said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.