A Young Mother’s Life Stolen in a Brutal Act of Violence
The city of Allentown, Pennsylvania is mourning the devastating loss of Jerkera Battle, a 22-year-old mother whose life was violently cut short in a horrific domestic violence incident. On that tragic day, Jerkera’s ex-boyfriend, Adam Makowka, 27, allegedly broke into her apartment and opened fire with a rifle, killing her in front of her 3-month-old son.
The horrifying attack unfolded in moments, yet the impact will last a lifetime. Reports indicate that another person in the home made a desperate attempt to stop Makowka by grabbing the rifle’s barrel. But despite this heroic intervention, the shooting continued until the weapon was empty. For Jerkera’s loved ones, the knowledge that her final moments were filled with terror — and that her child witnessed the tragedy — is almost unbearable.
Suspect Captured After Multi-County Manhunt
After the attack, Makowka fled the scene, sparking a manhunt that spanned more than 60 miles. Authorities apprehended him in Lansdowne, Delaware County, later that day. He now faces a long list of serious charges, including criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide, and two counts of aggravated assault.
While police have not officially confirmed a motive, early reports suggest that an ongoing custody dispute over the couple’s shared child may have played a role in the violence. The case has reignited urgent conversations about domestic violence, the warning signs that often precede tragedy, and the need for stronger protective measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals — particularly mothers with young children.
Remembering Jerkera: Love, Courage, and a Future Unfulfilled
To her family and friends, Jerkera Battle was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her — a loving mother, a caring daughter, and a friend whose laughter and warmth could brighten any room. She was devoted to her baby boy, and her days were filled with plans for his future.
Now, those dreams have been shattered. Her loved ones are left clinging to memories and fighting through unimaginable grief. The image of her infant son growing up without his mother — and carrying the weight of the trauma he endured — is a haunting reality.
In Allentown and beyond, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder that domestic violence is not just a private matter — it is a deadly threat that demands swift action and community awareness. As the legal process moves forward, Jerkera’s family is determined to see justice served, not only for her, but for every victim whose story ends too soon.
