Reading Police Arrest Two for Murder and Kidnapping
Authorities have taken two men into custody following the disappearance and death of Michael Petrino Jr. in March.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Property Crime
Police in Reading have arrested Luke Foxx and Josiah Vaux on charges related to the kidnapping and murder of Michael Petrino Jr. The victim had been reported missing in March before his vehicle was found abandoned in the city.
Why it matters
The investigation revealed that Petrino Jr. had been targeted due to ongoing conflicts in Berks County, where a bounty had reportedly been placed on him. Authorities were able to piece together the sequence of events using information from a group chat involving several other individuals.
Luke Foxx and Josiah Vaux face formal charges of second-degree murder and kidnapping. The Reading Police Department, reachable at 610-655-6116, led the investigation into the incident which originated near the 1200 block of Muhlenberg Street.
The players
Luke Foxx
He is one of the two suspects arrested and charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Michael Petrino Jr.
Josiah Vaux
He is one of the two suspects arrested and charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Michael Petrino Jr.
Michael Petrino Jr.
He was the victim of the kidnapping and murder case who had previously been reported missing in Reading.
Reading Police Department
This is the local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the disappearance and processing the arrests.
The details
Investigators allege that the suspects lured Petrino Jr. to 2nd and Oley Streets on March 25, 2026, before assaulting and forcibly removing him from his Jeep Compass. After binding the victim at a secluded location, the pair transported him away, leading to his eventual death.
Timeline
March 2026: Michael Petrino Jr. was reported missing.
March 25, 2026: The victim was lured to 2nd and Oley Streets.
October 22, 2026: Foxx and Vaux were taken into custody.
Legal Context
This case follows the pattern of the 2026 investigation of crimes involving bounty-linked violence in Berks County. It represents an ongoing effort by local authorities to dismantle coordinated criminal groups involved in targeted assaults and kidnappings.
The investigation highlights an ongoing concern regarding targeted violence and disputes in Berks County. Residents are encouraged to contact the Reading Police Department with any information regarding related illegal activities in the area.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the critical role of digital communication in modern criminal investigations. Authorities urge community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately.
Further reading
For more updates on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Reading Property Crime section.
