Authorities in Berks County, Pennsylvania, have announced they are "certain" that Michael Petrino Jr., who went missing seven months ago, is dead. The District Attorney's Office stated on Monday that there is "probable cause" to believe Petrino was lured to Reading, assaulted, and then placed in a vehicle on March 25.
According to Yahoo News, Petrino was reported missing by his father on March 27, after he was last seen on March 21. Investigators discovered that Petrino had been frequenting the Reading area before his disappearance, leading Reading police to take charge of the case.
A total of eight arrests have been made in connection to Petrino's disappearance and presumed death. Six males, including three juveniles, have been charged with kidnapping. The juveniles, identified as "Witness 1," "Witness 2," and Amir Frazier, were allegedly involved in luring Petrino to the area of North Second and Oley streets. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Petrino's rented Jeep entering an alley, where he was assaulted and forcibly removed from the vehicle.
The investigation revealed that a "bounty" had been placed on Petrino, and he had ongoing conflicts with several individuals in Berks County. The suspects, including Gerson Caicedo, Khalil Nein, and Jazmeire Brockington, are believed to have transported Petrino to a secluded location. Caicedo and Brockington were already in custody on unrelated charges, while Nein was arrested with assistance from the Berks County Emergency Response Team.
The three juveniles are charged as adults with kidnapping, robbery, and conspiracy. Authorities continue to seek information regarding Petrino's whereabouts and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact Reading police or Crime Alert Berks County's anonymous tip line.
A press conference was held following the recent arrest of Oliver Paniagua-Pena in connection with the deadly stabbing of Leonardo Mercado-Gomez in Reading, Pennsylvania. Mercado-Gomez, 56, was fatally stabbed on May 9, 2026, while leaving his workplace, Sun Rich Foods, on River Road.
According to WFMZ, Paniagua-Pena, 39, has been charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses. He was arrested on Thursday, October 22, 2026, by the Reading Police Department. Investigators have not identified any known issues between the two men.
The investigation revealed that Mercado-Gomez was found with multiple stab wounds and was transported to Reading Hospital, where he later died. NewsBreak reports that DNA evidence collected at the crime scene led detectives to Paniagua-Pena.
Authorities continue to investigate the case and urge anyone with additional information to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Alert Berks County at 1-877-373-9913, with cash rewards offered for information leading to an arrest.