BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Eight total people have now been charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a missing Lebanon County man, Reading police announced Thursday.
Michael Petrino Jr. was reported missing by his family in late March, and police believe he was kidnapped and assaulted by a group of individuals — including several juveniles — who had placed a bounty “on his head.”
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On March 25, investigators believe Petrino was lured to the area of 2nd and Oley Streets in Reading by Jayden Santiago, Jayden Edwards and Amir Frazier, who were riding with Petrino in a rental Jeep.
Michael Petrino Jr., 23, has been listed as missing since March 25, 2026. (Photo courtesy of National Missing and Unidentified Persons System)
Those three were reportedly in a group chat with Gerson Caicedo, Khalil Nein and Jazmeire Brockington, who pulled up next to the Jeep.
Police say Petrino was then assaulted and forcibly removed from the Jeep. Caidedo, Nein and Brockington then allegedly drove Petrino to a secluded location, where they met with Luke Foxx and Josiah Vaux.
Foxx and Vaux, armed with firearms, tied up Petrino and left him in the car, according to police.
Second-degree murder charges were filed against several individuals reportedly involved, but police said they have not confirmed where Petrino is now or what his current condition is.
The following individuals have been charged as adults in connection with Petrino’s disappearance.
Jayden Santiago, 17, of Reading; charged with kidnapping, robbery, aggravated assaultJayden Edwards, 16, of Reading; charged with kidnapping, robbery, aggravated assaultAmir Frazier, 17, of Temple; charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, simple assault Gerson Caicedo, 21, of Leesport; charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment, simple assaultJazmeire Brockington, 19, of Leesport; charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment, simple assaultKahlil Nein, 20, of Leesport; charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment, simple assaultLuke Foxx, 21, of York Haven; charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping and false imprisonment Josiah Vaux, 23, of Mohnton; charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping and false imprisonment
Anyone with information on Petrino’s location is asked to contact Reading police at 610-655-6116, or submit an anonymous tip at 1-(877) 373-9913.
Petrino was last wearing a gray and white Nike hoodie, black sweatpants, white socks, black slides and a black drawstring backpack, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.