READING, Pa.- The Berks County District Attorney is speaking out about two recent arrests in the case of a missing man who’s presumed dead.
“We believe there is probable cause to include that Michael Petrino [Jr.] is deceased and his disappearance was not voluntary,” Berks County District Attorney John Adams said.
Josiah Vaux and Luke Foxx are facing second degree murder, kidnapping and other related charges in connection with Petrino Jr.’s disappearance and believed death.
Officials said the two men were the last to see Petrino Jr. alive when defendants Gerson Caicedo, Khalil Nein and Jazmeire Brockington delivered Petrino to Vaux and Foxx at the Birdsboro Preserve on March 25.
“Vaux offered the group two pounds of marijuana and money and THC cartridges if they could deliver Petrino to Vaux,” Adams said.
Investigators said prior to being kidnapped Petrino Jr. stole marijuana and other drugs from Foxx, which had been supplied to him by Vaux.
Cellular and digital evidence detailed a connection between Petrino Jr. and the two men.
When they took custody of Petrino Jr. at the preserve, a witness said Vaux duct taped Petrino Jr.’s hands and mouth, bound his feet and forced him at gunpoint into a car, telling him to lie down in the backseat while Foxx kept a gun pointed at Caicedo, Nein and Brockington. The pair then drove away.
“There is no question Michael Petrino Jr. is deceased at the hands of Foxx and Vaux,” Adams said.
“Others were involved in this apprehension, but Luke Foxx and Josiah Vaux were the last people that saw Michael Petrino Jr., [and] there was motive for this.”
The remains of Petrino Jr. have not been found. Authorities are asking anyone with information to reach out to authorities. Anonymous tips can be shared with Crime Alert Berks at 1(877)373-9913. The DA’s office can be reached at 610-478-6000.
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