Human Remains Identified as Missing Reading Resident
The Berks County coroner confirmed that remains found in a vacant Reading home belong to 47-year-old Jose Rodriguez-Figueroa Jr.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Life Sciences
Authorities identified the remains of 47-year-old Jose Rodriguez-Figueroa Jr. after they were discovered in a vacant property on S. Sixth St. Reading police are currently investigating the death as a homicide.
Why it matters
The identification marks a significant step in an active homicide investigation that highlights long-standing issues with blighted properties in the city. Officials are working to determine the timeline of events that led to the death of the victim.
The identification process utilized a multidisciplinary approach involving forensic autopsies, odontology, entomology, and anthropology. Experts compared the physical findings against existing medical records to confirm the victim's identity.
The players
Berks County Coroner
This office is responsible for conducting death investigations and forensic medical examinations within Berks County.
Jose Rodriguez-Figueroa Jr.
He was a 47-year-old individual whose remains were discovered in a vacant Reading home.
Reading Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is managing the homicide investigation into the death of the victim.
The details
The remains were discovered by the owner of a property at 549 S. Sixth St. that had been classified as blighted for over a decade. Forensic analysis indicates the body had been located inside the vacant structure for many months.
Timeline
Oct. 2, 2026: The remains were discovered at the site.
Oct. 14, 2026: The coroner officially identified the victim.
The Big Picture
This discovery underscores the severe risks posed by urban blight, which often becomes a focal point for criminal activity when structures are left neglected for years. This incident follows a pattern set by the 2010 Pennsylvania Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act in addressing hazardous vacant sites.
The investigation serves as a stark reminder of the public safety risks associated with long-term vacant and blighted properties in urban areas. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity or signs of entry at abandoned buildings to local authorities.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of maintaining oversight on derelict properties to prevent them from becoming crime scenes. City officials often rely on community reports to identify deteriorating structures before they pose a significant threat to local safety.
Further reading
For more information on forensic processes used in regional investigations, explore the Life Sciences section.
