DA: Johnstown man charged with killing girlfriend in West End shooting

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Johnstown man was jailed Friday, just hours after he allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend at his home in the city's West End, authorities said.

Douglas Yonker, 57, of the 80 block of K Street, allegedly shot Lenamarie Azzoli, 40, of D Street, Lower Yoder Township.

Police were called to the K Street home around 11:20 p.m. Thursday after neighbors reported hearing gunshots, Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said at a press conference Friday afternoon.

"Neighbors said there was some yelling shortly before the shots were fired," he said.

Police arrived within minutes.

Azzoli was pronounced dead at the scene by Cambria County Deputy Coroner Michael Brewer. She appeared to have sustained at least five gunshot wounds, a court document reads.

An autopsy performed at ForensicDx in Windber confirmed that Azzoli died from multiple gunshot wounds, said Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees, who ruled the death a homicide.

Yonker allegedly told police they were sitting on the porch when a car drove up and a Black male got out and fired two shots. Yonker said he pulled a firearm from his waistband and returned fire, a court document reads.

Police recovered three shell casings on the front porch and a Smith & Wesson handgun. Police believe the handgun, which belonged to Yonker, was used in the shooting, Neugebauer said.

Yonker was taken to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center with a minor head injury, Neugebauer said.

Yonker was charged less than four hours after the shooting with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and tampering with evidence.

"It was a fairly rapid yet thorough investigation," Neugebauer said.

Yonker was arraigned by on-call District Judge John Prebish, of Cresson, and sent to Cambria County Prison in Ebensburg, where he is being held without bond.