READING, Pa. – The sounds of Berks Jazz Fest echoed through downtown Reading this weekend, but just before midnight on Saturday, the mood shifted.
Reading police responded to a shooting near Schuylkill Avenue and West Buttonwood Street, where they found 22-year-old Christopher Green inside a car with a gunshot wound to the back. He was taken to Reading Hospital, where he later died.
“Mr. Green was in a vehicle…we believe that they were involved in some sort of transaction,” said Berks County District Attorney John Adams. “And when it didn’t go how it was planned, the individual on the street shot into the vehicle.”
In an interview with 69 News, Adams said the case is another example of senseless violence, with no justification and no warning.
“I’m always concerned when we have violence in the city or any place in the county,” Adams said.
In 2024, the city of Reading saw multiple fatal shootings involving young men under 25. Adams says it’s a troubling pattern that needs to stop.
“We don’t need to settle our disputes by shooting a gun,” he added. “And quite frankly, I’m pretty certain that Mr. Green and the perpetrator probably knew each other. But this is not how we should handle or interact with people.”
Investigators say the driver who was with Green called 911 immediately after the shooting and is cooperating fully with police.
Adams emphasized that this incident serves as a tragic reminder, even in moments of celebration, like the Berks Jazz Fest, violence can strike.
“There’s no need for violence,” Adams said. “This is the time that the Berks Jazz Fest is occurring in our community. It’s a great show. A lot of people come to it, and a lot of people come to it from out of the area, and we don’t want to see violence occurring.”
Police are still searching for the suspect.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913.