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Reading, PA

PA Teen Sentenced To 45 Years To Life For Reading Murder Of NJ Woman: DA PA Teen Sentenced To 45 Years To Life For Reading Murder Of NJ Woman: DA
PA Teen Sentenced To 45 Years To Life For Reading Murder Of NJ Woman: DA A Reading teenager pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison for killing a 30-year-old New Jersey woman in 2023, Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced Thursday, Dec. 5. Henry Mendoza, 19, entered the plea before Berks County Common Pleas Judge Patrick T. Barrett for the shooting death of Natalie Classen, a Hoboken, NJ native recently living in Reading. The fatal shooting occurred at the intersection of 10th and Greenwich streets in the early morning hours of June 15, 2023, prosecutors said. Mendoza, then nine days shy of his 18t…
Next Of Kin Sought For Wyomissing Man Found Dead: Coroner's Office Next Of Kin Sought For Wyomissing Man Found Dead: Coroner's Office
Next Of Kin Sought For Wyomissing Man Found Dead: Coroner's Office The next of kin for an 81-year-old man is being sought by the Berk's County Coroner's office , according to a release on Wednesday, Nov. 27.  The 81-year-old Terrence P. Grady was found dead at his home located at 1743 Reading Boulevard, Wyomissing, PA 19610 on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, according to the coroner. Officials say he may have also lived at 1300 Lancaster Avenue, Reading, PA 19607. Anyone with information about Grady's family is urged to contact the Berks County Coroner's Office at 610-478-3280.
CEO Charged With DUI After Stop On Route 222: Police CEO Charged With DUI After Stop On Route 222: Police
CEO Charged With DUI After Stop On Route 222: Police The CEO of Optimum Controls Corporation has been charged with driving under the influence after a traffic stop in Lancaster County, police announced on Saturday, Nov. 23. Michael Galiyano, 76, of Sinking Spring, was pulled over near mile marker 47 on Route 222 North in Denver at approximately 9:38 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, according to East Cocalico Township Police. Officers reported that Galiyano appeared impaired, and a breath test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .187%, more than double the legal limit of .08%. Galiyano leads Optimum Controls Corporation, a Reading-based company t…
Snow Forecast Expands In NJ, PA: Here's How Much Snow Is Now Being Predicted Snow Forecast Expands In NJ, PA: Here's How Much Snow Is Now Being Predicted
Snow Forecast Expands In NJ, PA: Here's How Much Snow Is Now Being Predicted A powerful low-pressure system is set to bring more snow and rain to the region than initially predicted, with higher elevations now expected to see significant snowfall by Friday evening, Nov. 22 in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Rainfall amounts have been updated to range from 0.1 to 0.25 inches across much of South Jersey, while northern areas, including Mount Pocono, could see up to 1.5 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. In addition to the rain, snow accumulations in higher elevations are expected to be heavier than earlier forecasts: Mount Pocono could no…
3rd Arrest Made In Shooting Death Of Berks Teen: Report 3rd Arrest Made In Shooting Death Of Berks Teen: Report
3rd Arrest Made In Shooting Death Of Berks Teen: Report A third person was arrested for the shooting death of a Berks County teen on Friday, Nov. 8, according to an affidavit. Gavin Will, 17, of Reading, was charged for his role in the death of 19-year-old Christian Disla in the 1300 block of Muhlenberg Street on Monday, April 1, according to the  affidavit. Will; Brothers, Luis Santos-Cruz, 19, of Reading; and Jonielle Cruz, 17, of Doylestown, acted together to ambush an unnamed second victim who Disla happened to be getting into the same vehicle with, the affidavit states. The second victim was uninjured. A single bullet struck Disl…
Grammy 2025: Taylor Swift, Post Malone Among Nominees With Pennsylvania Connections Grammy 2025: Taylor Swift, Post Malone Among Nominees With Pennsylvania Connections
Grammy 2025: Taylor Swift, Post Malone Among Nominees With Pennsylvania Connections Several artists with ties to Pennsylvania are among the nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards, announced today, showcasing the state's powerful influence on the music industry. From hometown pop icons like Taylor Swift to collaborations that span genres, Pennsylvania's imprint is undeniable in this year's top categories. The 2025 Grammy nominations, announced Friday, Nov. 8, feature several artists with connections to Pennsylvania. Notably: Taylor Swift, 34: Born in Reading and raised in Wyomissing, Swift has secured multiple nominations, including Album of the Year for "The Tortured Poets D…
All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding
All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding As the dust settles from the 2024 election, Pennsylvania’s leaders must now prepare for the 2025 Legislative Session and the forthcoming Fiscal Year 24/25 budget debate, as families, caregivers, and individuals in the Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) community look to Governor Josh Shapiro to champion crucial funding needs. Last year’s budget delivered a historic funding boost for ID/A services, reflecting Governor Shapiro’s deep commitment to this essential community. However, the final enacted budget fell $93 million short of the Governor’s proposed funding—a shortfall that cont…
Next Of Kin Sought For PA Man: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For PA Man: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For PA Man: Coroner The next of kin for a man recently found dead is being searched for by the Berks County Coroners Office according to a release on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Theodore Burkhart, 71, of the 1200 block of Perkiomen Avenue in Reading was found dead in his residence, the coroner said. Any friends or family call the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-3280 with any information.
First Lady Jill Biden Coming To Bethlehem For Harris Campaign First Lady Jill Biden Coming To Bethlehem For Harris Campaign
First Lady Jill Biden Coming To Bethlehem For Harris Campaign First Lady Jill Biden will be making several campaign stops in Pennsylvania to support Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, Nov. 3. The First Lady will be stopping in Bethlehem, King of Prussia, and Harrisburg to "encourage Pennsylvanians to make a plan to vote at iwillvote.com/PA," a news release states. Her first campaign stop will be in Bethlehem at 11 a.m. followed by the King of Prussia event at 1 p.m., according to the news release. The Harrisburg stop is scheduled for 3 p.m.  The exact locations where each event will be held was not released at press time. At around th…
Harris, Trump To Hold Dueling Campaign Events In PA On Eve Of Election Day Harris, Trump To Hold Dueling Campaign Events In PA On Eve Of Election Day
Harris, Trump To Hold Dueling Campaign Events In PA On Eve Of Election Day Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are holding dueling campaign events across Pennsylvania on Monday, Nov. 4. The two presidential candidates will be making stops all over the Keystone State on the eve of Election Day, including Allentown, Reading, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. The former president is also expected in Lititz on Sunday morning.  The Harris-Walz Campaign The Harris Campaign is scheduled for a stop in Allentown sometime in the early afternoon, according to a news release. Exact details on the location were not released as of press time. Harris …
2 Convicted of Third-Degree Murder in 2022 Shooting at Berks County Park: DA 2 Convicted of Third-Degree Murder in 2022 Shooting at Berks County Park: DA
2 Convicted of Third-Degree Murder in 2022 Shooting at Berks County Park: DA Two men were convicted of third-degree murder in the 2022 Brookline Park shooting on Thursday, Oct. 31, authorities said. Anthony Boria, 20, of Reading, and Henry Madera Jr., 19, of West Lawn, were each found guilty of third-degree murder for the death of Amiere Bibbs, who was 18 years old when he was found dead at the scene, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. The shooting happened when a large group of teens mostly from Governor Mifflin School District gathered to watch a fistfight at Brookline Park in Reading on Friday, March 14, 2022, the district attorney's office…
PA Man Attempts To Kidnap Girl In Reading Alleyway: Report PA Man Attempts To Kidnap Girl In Reading Alleyway: Report
PA Man Attempts To Kidnap Girl In Reading Alleyway: Report A Berks County man attempted to kidnap a girl from an alleyway in Reading on Friday, Oct. 11, authorities said. Liam Wilkinson, 24, of Blandon, had posed as a teen boy on social media to lure the girl into an alley in the 600 block of Ritter Street, WFMZ 69 News reported on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Once she was in the alley, Wilkinson attempted to get her to climb into his vehicle. When she refused and tried to leave, Wilkinson chased her down and held a knife to her throat, WFMZ said. She managed to free herself and get away, and Wilkinson took her phone, which she dropped as she struggled…
Reading Man Busted With Drugs, Guns, 'Numerous Paraphernalia Items': Berks DA Reading Man Busted With Drugs, Guns, 'Numerous Paraphernalia Items': Berks DA
Reading Man Busted With Drugs, Guns, 'Numerous Paraphernalia Items': Berks DA A Reading man targeted in a drug bust was found with guns, various drugs, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia, authorities said. Allah Jamal Johnson, 38, of 1501 Perkiomen Avenue, was arrested outside of his residence on Wednesday, Oct. 23 after authorities executed a search warrant, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. An investigation by the Berks County Drug Task Force into Johnson began in August, resulting in a search warrant for his home and his vehicle, a white Buick Regal. During the search, investigators found: One Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol with an ob…
PA Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences PA Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences
PA Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences A Reading mom who Googled "methods of killing" before hanging her two children in her basement has been sentenced to life in prison, the Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced on Thursday, Oct. 17.  Lisa Snyder, 41, was found guilty of the following on Tuesday, Sept. 24; 2 counts of First-Degree Murder, 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children, and Tampering with Evidence, the Berks County DA explained in the release. The charges stem from an investigation into the Sept. 2019 death of her 8-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter, and the family…
'Street-Level' Reading Drug Dealer Arrested With $27K In Drugs: DA 'Street-Level' Reading Drug Dealer Arrested With $27K In Drugs: DA
'Street-Level' Reading Drug Dealer Arrested With $27K In Drugs: DA A Reading "street-level" drug dealer was arrested with more than $27,000 worth of heroin and fentanyl, authorities said. Jaime Serrano-Rosario, 55, was arrested without incident by detectives of the Berks County Drug Task Force on Thursday, Oct. 17, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. Authorities found 5,348 packets of heroin/fentanyl, five grams of bulk heroin/fentanyl, a .38 caliber Derringer loaded handgun, and $2,035 in cash at Serrano-Rosario's residence, authorities said. The street value of the heroin/fentanyl seized is about $27,115. The investigatio…
Sword-Wielding Drug Dealer Convicted PA Murder: DA Sword-Wielding Drug Dealer Convicted PA Murder: DA
Sword-Wielding Drug Dealer Convicted PA Murder: DA A convicted drug dealer is back behind bars again, this time for murdering a man with a sword, the Berks County District Attorney's Office announced on Thursday, Oct. 10. William Smoot, 50, Exeter Township, was convicted of First-Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder for stabbing DelCollo multiple times with a sword on Thursday, Oct. 10, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. Smoot has been held in the Berks County Prison while awaiting sentencing, the district attorney's office said. A sentencing date was not available at the time of publication. Smoot's accompl…
76-Year-Old PA Man's Next Of Kin Sought By Coroner 76-Year-Old PA Man's Next Of Kin Sought By Coroner
76-Year-Old PA Man's Next Of Kin Sought By Coroner The next of kin of a recently deceased Reading man is being searched for by the Berks County Coroner's Officer.  Robert Rosenbaum, 76, of Reading, was found deceased in his home on the 400 block of Chestnut Street on Saturday, Oct. 12, the Berks County Coroner's Office said. Additional information was not released.  The coroner's office is asking anyone with information to call 610-478-3280.
Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow
Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump won't be in Reading for another eight hours or so, but crowds of people are already lining up to see him. Trump will be holding a campaign rally at Santander Arena Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. (scroll for traffic impacts). Videos posted to X show the crowds waiting outside of the area. Big line in Reading, PA to see President Trump more than eight hours before he’s scheduled to speak tonight.Reading is a Latino-majority city.Trump is scheduled to speak in Scranton earlier today. pic.twitter.com/1npqA8yIjI — Daniel Baldwin (@baldwin_daniel_) …
Fleetwood Teen Dies Days After High-Speed Crash With Tractor-Trailer Fleetwood Teen Dies Days After High-Speed Crash With Tractor-Trailer
Fleetwood Teen Dies Days After High-Speed Crash With Tractor-Trailer A 17-year-old boy from Fleetwood died on Friday, Sept. 20, three days after the car he was a back-seat passenger in struck a tractor-trailer, his family said. "Armani Campos was in a serious car accident when the vehicle he was riding in collided with a tractor-trailer, pinning the car under the trailer and leaving all occupants in critical condition," Levi Yoder, a close family friend, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign. The driver and a second passenger remain in critical condition, but are expected to survive the crash, Yoder told Daily Voice on Tuesday, Sept. 24 when nearly $4,500 had been ra…
Cat 'Mobile' Adorable Adoptions Rolling To Penn State Berks Cat 'Mobile' Adorable Adoptions Rolling To Penn State Berks
Cat 'Mobile' Adorable Adoptions Rolling To Penn State Berks You've heard of the batmobile but have you heard of the cat mobile? Cats and kittens will be available for adoption at the Guts & Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo on Saturday, Sept. 28, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County announced earlier in the week. The mobile cat adoption event will take place on the Perkins Plaza Event Lawn at Penn State Berks, 1801 Broadcasting Road, Reading from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can adopt a fur friend or hairline feline but the ARL advises that adoption fees will vary by pet. Potential adopters must go through the rescue league's regular process, whic…
Reading Man Arrested In $12K Drug Trafficking Bust: Police Reading Man Arrested In $12K Drug Trafficking Bust: Police
Reading Man Arrested In $12K Drug Trafficking Bust: Police A Reading man was arrested for drug trafficking Thursday, Sept. 26 after police found him in possession of $12,000 worth of drugs, according to authorities. Dennis Valentin, 34, was found with 1,200 Ecstasy pills and 140 grams of marijuana in his apartment at 931 North 3rd Street, the Berks County District Attorney's Office said. Valentin was taken to the Berks County Sheriff's Department Central Processing Center, according to authorities. He is currently awaiting preliminary arraignment.  The Berks County District Attorney's Drug Task Force began investigating Valentin in August, th…
Family Releases Body Cam Footage Of PA Dad Of 6 Shot Dead By Police Family Releases Body Cam Footage Of PA Dad Of 6 Shot Dead By Police
Family Releases Body Cam Footage Of PA Dad Of 6 Shot Dead By Police Graphic body camera footage showing police shooting a Reading father of six dead has been released, and it appears to contradict the DA and police statements.  The family of 50-year-old Damon Scott Stern Sr., also known as DJ Nomad, along with their attorney held a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 19. During the conference they shared videos from the body cameras worn by the two officers called to Stern's home in the 400 block of Windsor Street, Reading at 3:37 a.m. on Monday, March 25. The Air Force Veteran was having suicidal thoughts and was holding a knife, according t…
KNOW HER? Bucks Coroner Seeks Next-Of-Kin For Woman, 65, Who Died At Reading Hospital KNOW HER? Bucks Coroner Seeks Next-Of-Kin For Woman, 65, Who Died At Reading Hospital
Know HER? Bucks Coroner Seeks Next-Of-Kin For Woman, 65, Who Died At Reading Hospital The Bucks County Coroner seeks help finding next-of-kin for Charlene Johnson, who died on Monday, Sept. 16 at Reading Hospital. She was 65 years old.  Her last known address was on the 300 Block of S. 4th Street in Reading, the coroner's office said on Thursday, Sept. 19 in an email to Daily Voice. Anyone with information can contact the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-3280.
11 Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Guns Seized In Major Berks County Drug Bust: DA 11 Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Guns Seized In Major Berks County Drug Bust: DA
11 Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Guns Seized In Major Berks County Drug Bust: DA Three Reading men were arrested in a major drug bust that turned up 11 pounds of methamphetamine, eight pounds of fentanyl, multiple loaded firearms, and more, authorities said. Selwyn Alcais-Garica, Rashan Brinkley, and Marcial Cooper are all facing a slew of charges following search warrants executed across Reading, leading to the evidential seizures, the Berks County DA's Office announced Monday, Sept. 16. Warrants were executed at 1423 Birch st. in Reading;1615 N.10th St. in Reading; 662 Tulpehocken Street in Reading and 501 Emerson Ave. in Laureldale. Authorities seized …
Reading Firefighter, Dad Battling Cancer Gets Support From Ambulance Corps Reading Firefighter, Dad Battling Cancer Gets Support From Ambulance Corps
Reading Firefighter, Dad Battling Cancer Gets Support From Ambulance Corps First responders have come together to help a lifelong firefighter and father of two from Reading who is battling cancer.  The Lower Alsace Volunteer Ambulance Association is raising money for Christopher Bixler and his family as he ongoes chemotherapy treatments, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched Sunday, Sept. 1. Chris is a career firefighter and paramedic with over 20 years of service to his community. "The physical nature of his line of work combined with the intense toll chemo takes on his body has forced Chris to take extended leave from his work," the GoFundMe expla…
Man Accused Of Raping 2 Girls At PA Home: DA Man Accused Of Raping 2 Girls At PA Home: DA
Man Accused Of Raping 2 Girls At PA Home: DA A 32-year-old man from Berks County has been arrested in connection with the rape of two girls at a home in Reading, one when she was 11 years old, authorities said on Friday, Sept. 6. Janson G. Paz-Ochoa of Shillington was charged with rape, rape of a child, and multiple other offenses, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. He was arrested on Aug. 27 and is due to reappear in court on Sept. 13, court records show. Berks County District Attorney’s detectives received a childline referral on April 12 from the state Department of Human Services which reported that a&n…
PA Dad ID'd After Fatal Motorcycle Crash On I-81: State Police PA Dad ID'd After Fatal Motorcycle Crash On I-81: State Police
PA Dad ID'd After Fatal Motorcycle Crash On I-81: State Police The motorcyclist killed in a crash on Interstate 81 was identified by the Pennsylvania State Police and his family on Monday, Sept. 2. Glen "Jose" Leon Veliz, 38, of Reading, died at the scene of the crash near mile mark 82 on Interstate 81 South in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County at 5:16 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 31, PSP Jonestown Trooper Jordan Seiler detailed in the release. Traffic was detoured at exit 85 in South Hanover Township, reopening around 9:19 p.m., according to a statement by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesperson Fritzi Schreffler and as Daily Voice previ…
The Top 5 Best Places To Retire Are All In Pennsylvania: Study The Top 5 Best Places To Retire Are All In Pennsylvania: Study
The Top 5 Best Places To Retire Are All In Pennsylvania: Study A new study ranking the best cities to retire has Pennsylvania taking six of the best 10 locales, including all five of the top 5.  Harrisburg is the best place in the country to spend your twilight years, according to US News & World Report. Reading, Lancaster, Scranton, and Allentown ranked second through fifth in the study respectively. Pittsburgh finished 10th, with Philadelphia coming in at 13th.  Researchers used a formula that examined the cost of living, happiness, quality of health care, taxes, and desirability of 150 cities across the country to create the list. They…
PA Man's Spotted In Child Pornography, Authorities Say PA Man's Spotted In Child Pornography, Authorities Say
PA Man's Spotted In Child Pornography, Authorities Say A 28-year-old man from Reading has been charged with possession of child pornography after sexually explicit images were found on his cellphone, authorities said. Kristopher W. Tanner also was charged with criminal use of a communication facility, corruption of minors, and indecent assault, according to a joint release from the Reading police and Berks County District Attorney. He was identified by investigators who noticed the unique tattoo visible on his right forearm in some of the videos. Additionally, investigators recognized that the background in these digital videos appeared to…
Teen Struck Dead By Train Crash Into Car: Berks County Coroner Teen Struck Dead By Train Crash Into Car: Berks County Coroner
Teen Struck Dead By Train Crash Into Car: Berks County Coroner Services are on Saturday, Aug. 10 for a 19-year-old man killed when the car he was riding in was struck by a train in Berks County. Meanwhile, family members are raising money for funeral expenses for Jazavier Phelps-Hines, of Reading. Phelps-Hines died on Saturday, Aug. 3 at about 3:40 p.m. when his car was struck by a train in Tilden Township, according to the Berks County Coroner's Office. "We are heartbroken to share that Jazavier Phelps has passed away unexpectedly in a tragic accident," a relative wrote on this GoFundMe page. "He was a beloved son, grandson, nephew and friend. T…
Caretaker Steals $4.5K From Elderly Woman, Berks DA Alleges Caretaker Steals $4.5K From Elderly Woman, Berks DA Alleges
Caretaker Steals $4.5K From Elderly Woman, Berks DA Alleges A 46-year-old woman from Reading is charged with making more than 80 unauthorized purchases on the bank cards of an elderly woman whom she cared for, authorities said. Jennifer Konen is accused of stealing nearly $4,500 by making the transactions using a 78-year-old woman's banking information, according to the Berks County District Attorney. Konen was the woman's healthcare provider. In April, Berks County District Attorney’s detectives initiated a criminal investigation into allegations involving exploitation and fraud involving the senior citizen. It was reported that numerous&…