READING, Pa – Police and a DNA expert took the stand Wednesday in the trial of two men charged in the deadly shooting of a teenager in Reading.

The men are accused of killing a young man, whose body was found days after his family reported him missing in 2023.

The third day of this trial includes testimony from investigators.

The grandmother of the victim in this case told 69 News reporter Tom Rader she just wants to know the why behind this deadly shooting as the trial nears closer to closing arguments. 

Vashon Winfield and Hector Torres are standing trial on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in the shooting death of 19-year-old Javien Perch in March of 2023.  

During the third day of the trial, the jury heard how investigators gathered cell phone and location data, as Reading Police Criminal Investigator Joseph Ring, Sgt. James Yeasted, and DNA expert Jessica Sklinar took the stand.

Sklinar discussed how DNA evidence aided in the investigation.

In the afternoon, primary investigator John McKeever took the stand, and the jury saw a map image showing cameras across the city that police say they used to retrace Perch’s steps and the steps of those they say they believe are responsible for taking his life.

Investigators say Perch was shot multiple times.

His body was found in a wooded area near the Reading-Alsace Township line back in the spring of 2023 days after loved ones reported him missing.

Closing arguments could begin on Thursday.

A third man, Ansari Jalal, faces charges in this case. He remains at large.