READING, Pa. – Berks County District Attorney John Adams says people that saw something and said something helped crack a homicide case, with one neighbor adding that we need more of that, otherwise crimes won’t get solved.
“I know a lot of people who are immediately against them. Like if something ever happens, I’m never gonna talk. It’s just crazy the negatives they give to police here,” said neighbor Abimael Velazquez.
Not this time though. Police say they arrested 21-year-old Isheed Freeman and charged him in the shooting death of 27-year-old Darius Francis in August of 2024 in the 200 block of Maple Street in Reading.
Court documents say witnesses saw Freeman run from the scene with a .40 caliber handgun and that same gun was later found nearby by police.
“I’m happy that the justice system in our city is actually working and people are getting the justice they deserve and getting the time they deserve,” Velazquez said.
A neighbor we spoke to says he and his friends are trying to change the narrative.
“I’ve grown up on this block my whole life, growing up and trying to make it out the city. At the same time and having so much violence and having to constantly watch over your back. It’s insane, it’s inhuman,” Velazquez said.
The DA says this might not be all wrapped up.
“This is going be an ongoing investigation, as he came to this residence with two other individuals, so we are still trying to determine anyone else who was involved,” DA Adams said.
Freeman is in jail and is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing at the end of the month.