READING, Pa. – A Reading man pleaded guilty Tuesday to three murders that happened in the fall of 2025.
Jose Rodriguez, 61, entered the courtroom in shackles to plead guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Junior Cabrera-Colon, Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo and their one-year-old son, Jeyden.
Colon and Mancebo were shot in the head and killed but Berks DA John Adams says the baby’s death was torture.
“I don’t think we can express in words the tragedy and the horrific circumstances of that child’s death,” said Adams. “That child was thrown into an algae laden pond and left there to die”
Several family members of the victims were in the courtroom; some even came from the Dominican Republic to be in Reading.
Some spoke to the court about how their lives changed after the killings, a few even addressed Rodriguez directly telling him they forgive him.
“There’s no punishment that could ever equalize the pain he has caused,” said Adams.
The judge called the case violent and needlessly tragic. Rodriguez did not make a statement and he was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences and ordered to pay restitution.
“Justice has been served,” added Adams. “He will never see the light of day and hopefully, this will bring some closure to the family and to anyone who knew any of the victims.”