Reading Man Charged with Murder of Woman and Toddler, Faces Death Penalty
UPDATE: A shocking murder case unfolds in Reading, Pennsylvania, as Jose L. Rodriguez, 61, has been charged with the brutal killings of Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, 31, and her 1-year-old son, Jeyden Peguero. This urgent development comes just days after Rodriguez was charged with the first-degree murder of Junior Cabrera-Colon, whose body was found on September 13, 2023.
In a press conference Monday afternoon, Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams described the case as “horrific,” revealing that authorities are considering pursuing the death penalty against Rodriguez. Adams expressed his deep emotional distress over the nature of the crimes, particularly the tragic fate of young Jeyden, who authorities confirmed drowned after being thrown into stagnant water.
Detectives began investigating the murder of Cabrera-Colon after his body was discovered in brush along River Road. Initial inquiries led investigators to Rodriguez, who had connections to both the deceased and the victims. Evidence, including video footage and cellphone data, traced Peguero-Mancebo carrying her son into Rodriguez’s car on the night of September 12.
Rodriguez initially provided a mix of truth and deception during questioning but eventually confessed to shooting Cabrera-Colon in the head. He claimed the gun went off during a struggle, and he later disposed of the body in the victim’s car.
Tragically, Peguero-Mancebo was found shot in the back of the head, and Jeyden’s body was recovered the following day, just 150 yards from where his mother was discovered. Adams stated, “I can’t imagine anything more horrifying than throwing that 1-year-old child into that pond of water and leaving him there to die. This was cruel. It was horrible.”
The investigation revealed that Rodriguez had worked with Peguero-Mancebo at a warehouse, assisting her in securing her apartment, which raises further questions about their relationship. Authorities confirmed that Rodriguez’s actions were entirely unnecessary and horrific.
Adams praised the collaborative efforts of Reading police and Berks County detectives, highlighting their dedication in solving this complex case swiftly. “As a result of their dedicated work involved in putting the pieces together, we promptly took this murderer off our streets,” he stated.
Rodriguez remains in Berks County Jail without bail, as prosecutors weigh their options regarding capital punishment. The community is left reeling from these tragic events, and the emotional toll on the victims’ families is palpable.
As details continue to emerge, this developing story serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for justice and support for affected families. Stay tuned for updates as authorities navigate the next steps in this chilling case.
