Investigators probing apparent beating death

HAZLETON – A man discovered unconscious and bleeding from the head in the middle of a city street, the victim of an apparent assault, died Monday, according to investigators.

Aaron Reznick, 29, of Ebervale, was found lying in Carson Street between 9th Street and 10th Street in northeast Hazleton at 12:21 a.m. on August 4, according to city police. He was transported to Hazleton General Hospital and later air lifted to Lehigh Valley Medical Center, where he died on Monday.

Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis said her office is awaiting the results of an autopsy that will take place today to determine whether the Reznick’s death was a homicide, but preliminary evidence indicates he was the victim of a brutal beating.

“The way he was found it seems as if he received a severe assault and that may have led to his death,” Salavantis said.

It did not appear as if Reznick had been struck by a vehicle, the District Attorney said, but was rather beaten by another person or persons.

Salavantis said she assigned two members of her office, Detective Larry Fabian and Assistant District Attorney Dan Zola, to begin an investigation following Reznick’s death Monday. They are cooperating with Hazleton Police and a forensics unit from the State Police Hazleton Barracks in the investigation, she said.

Police initially had trouble identifying Reznick and appealed to the public for information about his identity on August 4. Salavantis said Reznick, who was found barefooted and wearing scant articles of clothing, was not carrying identification.

Police found Reznick’s vehicle the following day - Sunday, August 5 - and were able to identify him by information found in the vehicle, Salavantis said. Police did not disclose where Reznick’s vehicle was found, but said it was towed “for later processing.”

Salavantis said she does not believe Reznick regained consciousness at any point following the assault.

She said her office is following up on several leads in the case, but that police are continuing to seek any information related to Reznick’s death. Police said Reznick worked outside of Hazleton but frequented local restaurants. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Hazleton Police at 459-4950.