Manhunt underway after deadly double shooting in Reading leaves two dead
READING, PA — A fatal shooting that left two men dead in a garage on Nicolls Street has prompted a citywide search for a suspect now wanted for multiple counts of murder, following a deadly encounter that unfolded before sunrise on September 27.
Just before 6:00 a.m., officers from the City of Reading Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the 800 block of Nicolls Street. At the scene, they discovered two unresponsive men—later identified as Victor Urena-Yami, 25, and Victor Jimenez, 21—lying at the entrance of an open garage, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, both victims were pronounced dead.
A short time later, a third male victim arrived at Reading Hospital with gunshot injuries. He was identified as Raul Perez-Diaz, 31, who told investigators he fired in self-defense following a confrontation with other males in the area.
However, as the investigation progressed, detectives obtained surveillance footage and statements from witnesses that contradicted Perez-Diaz’s version of events. Authorities also recovered a firearm confirmed through ballistic testing to have been used in the shooting.
Investigators issued an arrest warrant for Perez-Diaz, who had initially contacted police claiming he would turn himself in at City Hall—but failed to appear. He is now wanted on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of third-degree murder, and other related charges.
Police are urging anyone with information on Perez-Diaz’s location or the incident itself to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Alert Berks County at 1-877-373-9913, with potential cash rewards offered for information leading to an arrest.
Key Points
- Two men shot and killed in a garage on Nicolls Street in Reading on September 27
- Raul Perez-Diaz identified as suspect after claiming self-defense, later contradicted by evidence
- Arrest warrant issued for Perez-Diaz on multiple murder charges after he failed to turn himself in