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A community in Reading, Pennsylvania, is in mourning following the deaths of a Dominican mother and son, with authorities continuing their investigation and focusing on a potential second suspect in the case. The investigation began with the murder of Junior Cabrera Colón and has since expanded to include the deaths of Geraldina Peguero Mancebo and her one-year-old son, Jayden.
Complex Relationships and a Suspect with Ties to the Victims
José Luis Rodríguez, 61, has been arrested and charged with first-degree homicide and abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of Cabrera Colón. Court documents reveal a tangled web of relationships, with Rodríguez having served as a councilor in the apartment building where the family resided at Lincoln Tower Apartments and being legally married to Peguero Mancebo.
According to a police affidavit, Rodríguez claimed he assisted Cabrera Colón with a tenant background check, offering to intervene when Cabrera Colón faced difficulties with the application process. The three individuals were colleagues at an Amazon warehouse, where Rodríguez initially befriended Peguero Mancebo and subsequently met Cabrera Colón through her.
A Love Triangle and Conflicting Accounts
The case took a dramatic turn with allegations of a complex romantic dynamic. Rodríguez reportedly told investigators that Peguero Mancebo had “two husbands,” identifying another coworker named Alex, but not himself. He further stated that his wife threatened divorce if he continued to spend time with Cabrera Colón.
Rodríguez alleges he acted in self-defense, claiming Cabrera Colón confronted him over his relationship with Peguero Mancebo, brandishing a gun and threatening violence. He claims the confrontation escalated, resulting in Cabrera Colón’s death. However, Rodríguez has only been charged in connection with Cabrera Colón’s murder; no charges have been filed regarding the deaths of Peguero Mancebo and Jayden.
Evidence Mounts, Second Person of Interest Identified
Investigators have reviewed surveillance footage that places Rodríguez’s vehicle at key locations related to the case. Footage shows the car picking up Peguero Mancebo and later disposing of Cabrera Colón’s body in Baer Park. Critically, investigators observed another individual in the vehicle during the disposal of the body, leading authorities to identify a person of interest, though details remain scarce.
Bodies Discovered, Family Seeks Repatriation
Following the discovery of Cabrera Colón’s body, police reported the disappearance of Peguero Mancebo and Jayden. Their bodies were subsequently found in a swampy area, one day apart. While the official cause of death has not been released, authorities have confirmed both deaths were homicides. Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams has announced a public update on the investigation is scheduled for September 29.
The victims, who arrived in Pennsylvania two years ago seeking a better life, left behind three children – aged 13, 10, and 8 – in their native Dominican Republic. The family is now working to repatriate the bodies for burial.
Intimate Connections and Unanswered Questions
Reports from Hispanic media outlet Momento.net suggest a deeper relationship between Rodríguez and Peguero Mancebo, alleging that Peguero Mancebo presented Cabrera Colón as her cousin and that questions surrounding paternity existed, though these claims remain unconfirmed. The three adults reportedly shared a close living arrangement, with Cabrera Colón utilizing Rodríguez’s vehicle and residing in the same home. Family members in the Dominican Republic have stated that Rodríguez was frequently at the home and had a close relationship with both victims.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to unravel the full circumstances surrounding this tragic case and determine the involvement of any additional parties.
