READING, Pa. \u2013 Following a months-long investigation, a man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred in May of this year, authorities say.<\/p>\n
After a lengthy investigation, detectives say they have identified 39-year-old Oliver Paniagua-Pena as a suspect in the case.<\/p>\n
On May 9 at 2 p.m., 56-year-old Leonardo Mercado Gomez was leaving work at Sun Rich Foods when, without warning, he was stabbed to death on River Road, his family shared following the incident.<\/p>\n
Officers from the Reading Police Department previously said they responded to the 200 block of River Road and found the victim, Mercado-Gomez, suffering from multiple stab wounds.<\/p>\n
EMS transported Mercado-Gomez to Reading Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, officials say.<\/p>\n
Investigators responded to the scene, interviewed witnesses, and canvassed the area for video footage.<\/p>\n
According to authorities, DNA evidence recovered during the investigation links Paniagua-Pena to the crime scene.<\/p>\n
Reading Police say the man has been charged with first-degree murder and related offenses and was taken into custody on Thursday by members of the RPD\u2019s Criminal Investigations Division and Patrol Division.<\/p>\n
According to the RPD, this investigation remains active and ongoing.<\/p>\n
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116.<\/p>\n
Information can also be sent anonymously by calling Crime Alert Berks County\u2019s anonymous tip line at 1(877) 373-9913. Crime Alert offers cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest.<\/p>\n
\nCopyright 2026 Maranatha Broadcasting Co., Inc.. All Rights Reserved.\n<\/p>\n
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