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Reading, PA

PA Parents Identified In Murder-Suicide That Left Infant Injured PA Parents Identified In Murder-Suicide That Left Infant Injured
PA Parents Identified In Murder-Suicide That Left Infant Injured A man and woman killed in an apparent murder-suicide that left their infant critically injured in Reading have been identified by their families. Jesus Peñaloza Cruz shot Selena Zavala-Hernandes, their two-month-old child, and himself inside a home on the 1200 block of Locust Street, according to authorities. Police responded to the residence on Monday, Feb. 16, after a neighbor reported hearing gunshots. The child was rushed to a Philadelphia hospital and remains in stable but critical condition. Loved ones have launched GoFundMe campaigns to assist with funeral expenses and to transport …
Big Bucks: $1M Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At PA Business Big Bucks: $1M Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At PA Business
Big Bucks: $1M Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At PA Business Someone in Pennsylvania just hit the jackpot—literally! A Jumbo Bucks scratch-Off ticket worth $1 million was sold at an unexpected spot: Berks Beer Distributing Co. in Reading. The lucky ticket was purchased at the distributor, located at 211 South 9th St., Reading, where the celebration is surely brewing. As a bonus for selling the million-dollar winner, Berks Beer will receive a $5,000 reward. Jumbo Bucks is a $10 game that features a top prize of $1 million, proving once again that dreams (and dollars) could just be a scratch away. Scratch-Off prizes expire one year from the game’s…
PA Man Retrieving $50K In Fentanyl At NJ Post Office Arrested, Sheriff Says PA Man Retrieving $50K In Fentanyl At NJ Post Office Arrested, Sheriff Says
PA Man Retrieving $50K In Fentanyl At NJ Post Office Arrested, Sheriff Says A 31-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested after attempting to retrieve a package containing two kilograms of fentanyl at a New Jersey post office, authorities said. Werling Santiago Tejada-Jimenez, of Reading, PA, was taken into custody after a joint investigation by the Passaic County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Postal Police led to a controlled delivery, Sheriff Thomas Adamo announced. Investigators intercepted a suspicious parcel intended for a Paterson address and obtained a court-approved search warrant, Adamo said. The package was found to contain two kilograms of fentanyl, authoritie…
'Shark Tank' Looking For Next Big Investment In Philly: Here's How You Can Pitch 'Shark Tank' Looking For Next Big Investment In Philly: Here's How You Can Pitch
ABC's 'Shark Tank' To Hold Open Casting Call In Philadelphia Innovators, it’s time to sink or swim with the Sharks in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. The hit ABC television show "Shark Tank" will hold an open casting call in Philly on Friday, Apr. 11. The Emmy-winning program will host it at The Event Center at Rivers Philadelphia, in partnership with Philly's ABC affiliate WPVI-TV. This will be the first "Shark Tank" casting call in the city since 2017. "We’re eager to return to Philly after so many years to see how the entrepreneur community has grown," said Mindy Zemrak, the supervising casting producer since the show debuted in 2…
Next Of Kin Sought For Edwin Pacheco, 48, Found Dead In Reading: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For Edwin Pacheco, 48, Found Dead In Reading: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For Edwin Pacheco, 48, Found Dead In Reading: Coroner The Berks County Coroner’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a man's next of kin. Edwin D. Pacheco, 48, was found dead in Reading. His body was discovered on Tuesday, Feb. 18, officials said. His last known address was on the 400 block of S. 5th Street in the city. Anyone with information about his family is urged to contact the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-3280.
Philly Area Couple With Stolen Credit Cards, Drugs Arrested In Routine NJ Traffic Stop: Cops Philly Area Couple With Stolen Credit Cards, Drugs Arrested In Routine NJ Traffic Stop: Cops
Philly Area Couple With Stolen Credit Cards, Drugs Arrested In Routine NJ Traffic Stop: Cops Two Pennsylvania residents are facing charges after a routine traffic stop in Rochelle Park uncovered illegal prescription drugs, stolen credit cards, and luxury goods purchased fraudulently, police said. Dashaun Smith, 32, of Philadelphia, and Latisha Rice, 39, of Reading, were arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at approximately 8 p.m., following a stop initiated by Rochelle Park Officer Chris Kiszka on West Passaic Street, RPPD Capt. James DePreta said. The vehicle, a BMW with Pennsylvania plates, was stopped after officers found that the license plates belonged to a Chevrolet reported sto…
Explicit Video Shown To Students, Threatened Teen By Pennsylvania Paraprofessional: DA Explicit Video Shown To Students, Threatened Teen By Pennsylvania Paraprofessional: DA
Explicit Video Shown To Students, Threatened Teen By Pennsylvania Paraprofessional: DA A Reading School District employee showed sexually explicit material to middle school students, inappropriately touched a 13-year-old boy, and threatened another teen, the Berks County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Stephanie Quintero-Ochoa, 19, of Reading, was charged with unlawful contact with a minor, indecent exposure, dissemination of explicit sexual material via electronic communication, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children. The investigation began in December 2024 after multiple ChildLine reports alleged that Quintero-Ochoa was en…
PA Dad Used Pen Camera To Record Victims In Bathroom, Sexually Abused Boys: Affidavit PA Dad Used Pen Camera To Record Victims In Bathroom, Sexually Abused Boys: Affidavit
PA Dad Used Pen Camera To Record Victims In Bathroom, Sexually Abused Boys: Affidavit A Harrisburg dad is accused of sexually abusing two boys and secretly recording videos of them and another family member using a hidden pen camera, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Kemish A. Soto-Munet, 29, was charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, sexual abuse of children, invasion of privacy, and corruption of minors, according to investigators. **WARNING THE FOLLOWING DETAILS ARE DISTURBING** The investigation began on Sunday, July 28, 2024, with a Childline referral alle…
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Found Dead At Hospital: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Found Dead At Hospital: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Found Dead At Hospital: Coroner The Berks County Coroner’s Office is seeking help locating the next of kin for a Reading man who recently died. Raymond S. Huyett, 67, of the 700 block of N. 6th Street, passed away at Reading Hospital on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, according to the coroner's office. Anyone with information about Huyett's family is urged to contact the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-3280. No additional details were immediately available. 
Reading Meth, Fentanyl Trafficker Arrested: DA Says Reading Meth, Fentanyl Trafficker Arrested: DA Says
Reading Meth, Fentanyl Trafficker Arrested: DA Says A Reading man was arrested for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl after a months-long investigation, Berks County authorities announced Friday, Jan. 24. Walter Carrera, 38, of 1219 Windsor Street, was taken into custody when detectives and Pennsylvania State Troopers served a search warrant at his home earlier in the day, Chief County Detective Michael Gombar said. The investigation began in October 2024, with undercover purchases and surveillance identifying Carrera as a distributor, Gombar said. During the search of his residence, detectives seized: Approximately six grams of fen…
Jehovah's Witness Sexually Abused Family Member Under 7 Years Old: PA AG (UPDATE) Jehovah's Witness Sexually Abused Family Member Under 7 Years Old: PA AG (UPDATE)
Jehovah's Witness Sexually Abused Family Member Under 7 Years Old: PA AG (Update) A former Jehovah’s Witness from Butler County has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young family member over several years, beginning when the victim was just seven, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Friday, Jan. 17. Shaun Sheffer, 45, was found guilty this week of multiple charges, including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and corruption of minors, according to the AG's Office. The assaults took place between 1995 and 2000, during which Sheffer had a close relationship with the victim. Authorities said the abuse began wh…
Foot Of Snow Could Wallop Parts Of PA, Winter Storm Warning In Effect Foot Of Snow Could Wallop Parts Of PA, Winter Storm Warning In Effect
Foot Of Snow Could Wallop Parts Of PA, Winter Storm Warning In Effect New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency beginning Sunday morning, Jan. 19, right as the National Weather Service released a brand-new snowfall forecast for the winter storm heading toward the region. CLICK HERE FOR LATEST FORECAST AS OF 9 AM JAN. 19, 2025. The storm will begin with scattered showers and a low of 26 degrees Saturday night, Jan. 18, the NWS said. By Sunday afternoon, snow is expected to begin after 1 p.m., with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees. The snow could be heavy at times, with rates exceeding 1 inch per hour, especially in areas northwest of the…
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Who Died At Reading Hospital Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Who Died At Reading Hospital
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Who Died At Reading Hospital Authorities in Berks County are seeking help locating the next of kin for a Reading man who recently died at Reading Hospital, the coroner's office announced. Elliot Morales, 67, passed away at Reading Hospital, according to the Berks County Coroner's Office. Deputy Coroner Jason Kantner shared the appeal for information on Friday, Jan. 17. While Morales' death has been attributed to natural causes, officials are now working to locate his family to make final arrangements. Anyone with information about Morales' relatives is urged to contact the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-…
Arctic Blast Will Follow Snow Showers Across PA With Temps We Haven't Seen In Years, NWS Says Arctic Blast Will Follow Snow Showers Across PA With Temps We Haven't Seen In Years, NWS Says
Arctic Blast Will Follow Snow Showers Across PA With Temps We Haven't Seen In Years, NWS Says Light snow showers are forecast to begin Thursday afternoon, Jan. 16 across parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, potentially creating slippery conditions during the evening commute, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).  A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for several northeast New Jersey counties, including Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex, and Union, with snowfall set to begin after 4 p.m. Most areas are expected to see less than one inch of snow, though localized accumulations of up to two inches are possible in parts of eastern Pennsylvania near and north of …
Toddler Killed; Mom And Suspected Drunk Driver Hospitalized: PA State Police Toddler Killed; Mom And Suspected Drunk Driver Hospitalized: PA State Police
Toddler Killed; Mom And Suspected Drunk Driver Hospitalized: PA State Police A toddler was killed and two adults were hospitalized after a DUI crash on Bernville Road (Route 183) in Penn Township, Berks County, early Friday morning, Jan. 3, Pennsylvania State Police said. The crash happened in the northbound lane of the 5900 block of Bernville Road, at 4:59 a.m. on, PA State PoliceReading detailed in a release. A 2017 GMC Savanadriven by 55-year-old Bernard Scherr,  was heading south when he crossed the double yellow line and struck a 2008 Ford Edge head-on, PSP Trooper Joseph Guiliano explained. Scherr's vehicle caught fire after the collision. He had been …
Unique New Year’s Eve Drops And Celebrations Across Pennsylvania: Ring In 2025 Unique New Year’s Eve Drops And Celebrations Across Pennsylvania: Ring In 2025
Unique New Year’s Eve Drops And Celebrations Across Pennsylvania: Ring In 2025 Pennsylvania communities are ready to ring in 2025 with quirky traditions, family-friendly fun, and exciting celebrations—from dropping bologna to raising a Hershey’s Kiss. Here’s a roundup of free and public events happening across the region to welcome the New Year. Adams County Gettysburg Gettysburg started a new tradition a few years back: the raising of Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat to count down to midnight in Lincoln Square. The event, "From Times Square to Gettysburg Square," starts at 4 p.m. with family-friendly activities, including a holiday movie, face painting, balloon animals…
These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business. The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including the remaining 64 locations in Pennsylvania. Big Lots had 73 stores located in the Keystone State when they declared bankruptcy over the summer. More than 6% of all Big Lots were located in the commonwealth, with the most stores located in Texas.  The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While offi…
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man, 75, Who Died At Hospital: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man, 75, Who Died At Hospital: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man, 75, Who Died At Hospital: Coroner The Berks County Coroner’s Office is seeking the public's help to locate the family of a Reading man who recently passed away. Camilo R. Rosa, 75, of 835 Franklin Street, died at Penn State Health – St. Joseph Hospital on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, according to the coroner's office. Anyone with information about Rosa’s relatives is asked to contact the coroner’s office at 610-478-3280. No additional details have been released.
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 King Of Prussia For Harris Campaign First Lady Jill Biden Coming To King Of Prussia For Harris Campaign
First Lady Jill Biden Coming To King Of Prussia 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…