A 16-year-old has been charged as an adult with criminal homicide following a fatal shooting late Saturday night in Reading that claimed the life of another 16-year-old.
According to the Reading Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Windsor Street at approximately 11:32 p.m. on July 4 for a report of shots fired. Initial information indicated that a juvenile had been struck by gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found a 16-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. Police said the victim was unresponsive at the scene, and officers immediately began lifesaving measures until emergency medical personnel arrived. The teen was transported to Reading Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation determined that the victim had been attending a party in the 1000 block of Windsor Street. Police said the suspect was not attending the party but became involved in an incident stemming from an altercation between a member of his family and people attending the gathering.
Following the altercation, police allege the suspect retrieved a firearm and fired it, striking the victim.
Investigators quickly identified the suspected shooter and learned he had fled to a residence in the 800 block of North 10th Street. Officers responded to the home, secured the residence, and took the suspect into custody without incident.
Police identified the suspect as Daniel Cruz Jr., 16, of Reading. Although he is a juvenile, Cruz has been charged as an adult. He faces one count of criminal homicide and related offenses.
In a statement released by the city, Reading Mayor Eddie Morán expressed condolences to the victim’s family and praised officers for their response.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and everyone affected by this tragedy. I want to thank the officers of the Reading Police Department for their swift response and the investigative work that quickly led to an arrest. Every life lost to violence is one too many, and when that life is a young person, it impacts our entire community. We all have a responsibility to help guide our youth, resolve conflicts peacefully, and work together to create safer neighborhoods. The City will continue working alongside our community partners and law enforcement to confront this issue with urgency and build a safer future for our children.”
The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Alert Berks County by calling 1-877-373-9913. Cash rewards are available for information leading to an arrest.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
