READING, Pa. — A man has been charged with three murders, including that of an infant, following a series of tragic events that have shaken the community. Jose Luis Rodriguez, 61, now faces allegations of killing a couple and their young son, prompting outrage and grief among local residents.
Initially charged with the murder of 31-year-old Junior Cabrera-Colon, Rodriguez has since been implicated in the deaths of Cabrera-Colon’s wife, 31-year-old Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, and their one-year-old son, Jeyden Jr. Peguero. The announcement was made during a press conference on Monday by Berks County District Attorney John Adams.
The bodies of Peguero-Mancebo and Jeyden were discovered two weeks ago in a secluded area in Ontelaunee Township. Cabrera-Colon’s body was located just days earlier, leading authorities to intensify their investigation and focus on Rodriguez as a suspect.
Investigators learned that Peguero-Mancebo was last seen entering a vehicle registered to Rodriguez on the evening of September 12. Using cellphone data, police tracked both her and Rodriguez to a specific site. Reports indicate that Rodriguez admitted he had planned to kill Peguero-Mancebo after she expressed a desire to remain with her husband, which allegedly enraged him.
According to court documents, Rodriguez claimed he fatally shot Peguero-Mancebo before disposing of her body and later threw Jeyden into a nearby lake. In a chilling admission, he told police that the baby was still alive when he submerged him, a fact corroborated by autopsy results showing signs of drowning.
The criminal complaint outlines that Rodriguez believed he was acting out of fear of being caught rather than seeking help for the infant. Adams condemned the actions as horrific, describing the loss of a young child’s life as indefensible.
Rodriguez later confessed to killing Cabrera-Colon, claiming self-defense after they argued about his relationship with Peguero-Mancebo. His narrative has raised questions about its veracity, as Adams stated that investigators are still piecing together the events leading up to the tragic deaths.
Following his confession, Rodriguez assisted police in locating evidence, including Peguero-Mancebo’s purse and the firearm used in her murder. He is currently detained at Berks County Jail without bail and is facing multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree murder and other related offenses.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Peguero-Mancebo and Cabrera-Colon left behind three additional children in the Dominican Republic, further underscoring the tragedy of the situation. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to facilitate their return for burial.
As authorities consider the possibility of seeking the death penalty, Rodriguez’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 3. The community continues to grapple with the profound impact of these events as remnants of a promising family have been lost to violence.