Local
Two arrested in Reading-area disappearance; six others named in police investigation
Reading police say eight people are linked to Michael Petrino Jr.’s disappearance in March, after investigators uncovered reports of a bounty on him. Two men were arrested Oct. 22 and face murder and kidnapping charges; Petrino’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the March disappearance of Michael Petrino Jr., whose whereabouts remain unknown, Reading police said. Investigators have linked eight people to the case and say they received information that a bounty had been placed on Petrino.
Police said Petrino’s family reported him missing in late March in western Lebanon County. Investigators learned he had been spending time in the Reading area, and Reading police took the lead. The investigation lasted about seven months.
In the early hours of March 25, police say, Jayden Santiago, Jayden Edwards and Amir Frazier lured Petrino to the area of North Second and Oley streets in a Jeep Compass he had rented. The vehicle was found on Muhlenberg Street several days later.
Surveillance footage showed the Jeep entering an alley near the intersection, police said. Santiago was seen getting out and using his cellphone. Investigators said digital evidence revealed that the three men were in a group chat with Gerson Caicedo, Khalil Nein and Jazmeire Brockington. According to police, Santiago said he would signal when the Jeep arrived; video showed a tan Chevrolet sedan entering the alley shortly afterward and parking next to it.
Police allege Petrino was assaulted, forced from the Jeep and put in the Chevrolet, which then left the area. Investigators said Santiago, Edwards and Frazier later abandoned the Jeep and destroyed Petrino’s phone.
Police said Nein, Brockington and Caicedo drove to a secluded location and met Luke Foxx and Josiah Vaux. Foxx and Vaux, both allegedly armed, bound Petrino, placed him in their vehicle and drove away, investigators said.
Reading police and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Foxx and Vaux on Oct. 22. Both face charges including second-degree murder and kidnapping, along with other offenses, police said. The investigation is continuing. Police did not detail charges or arrests involving the other six people named in connection with the case.
Anyone with information about Petrino’s whereabouts or the investigation can contact Reading police at 610-655-6116. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Alert Berks County at 1-877-373-9913; the organization offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest.