Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Woman, Her Baby, and Husband

Jose Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the brutal murders of Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, Junior Cabrera-Colon, and their 1-year-old son Jeyden.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:06pm

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An extreme close-up of a single bullet casing reflecting a harsh, bright light, conveying the stark, investigative nature of this tragic crime story.A grim reminder of the deadly consequences when domestic violence escalates to murder.Reading Today

Jose Rodriguez, 61, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, 31, her husband Junior Cabrera-Colon, 31, and their 1-year-old son Jeyden Junior Peguero. Rodriguez confessed to killing the family because Peguero-Mancebo refused to leave her husband to be with him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for greater resources and support to help prevent such horrific crimes. The killings have devastated the local community and raised concerns about the warning signs of violence that may have been missed.

The details

On September 12, 2025, Rodriguez picked up Peguero-Mancebo and her son Jeyden, intending to kill her because she wouldn't leave her husband. He shot Peguero-Mancebo in the back of the head and then drove her baby down the street and threw him into a lake. The next day, Rodriguez got into an altercation with Peguero-Mancebo's husband, Junior Cabrera-Colon, and shot and killed him. Police later found the bodies of Peguero-Mancebo and her son.

  • On September 12, 2025, around 8:30 p.m., Rodriguez picked up Peguero-Mancebo and her 1-year-old son Jeyden.
  • On September 13, Rodriguez got into an altercation with Peguero-Mancebo's husband, Junior Cabrera-Colon, and shot and killed him.
  • On September 19, around 8:15 p.m., police found Peguero-Mancebo's body.
  • On September 20, at 11:57 a.m., police found her son's body.

The players

Jose Rodriguez

A 61-year-old man from Reading, Pennsylvania, who confessed to killing Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, her husband Junior Cabrera-Colon, and their 1-year-old son Jeyden Junior Peguero.

Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo

A 31-year-old woman who was killed by Rodriguez because she refused to leave her husband to be with him.

Junior Cabrera-Colon

The 31-year-old husband of Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, who was killed by Rodriguez in an altercation.

Jeyden Junior Peguero

The 1-year-old son of Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo and Junior Cabrera-Colon, who was killed by Rodriguez.

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What they’re saying

“We must do more to prevent these senseless acts of violence and support victims of domestic abuse.”

— Berks County District Attorney

What’s next

Prosecutors had considered pursuing the death penalty for Rodriguez, but he ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for greater resources and support to address domestic violence, as well as the importance of recognizing and acting on warning signs before such horrific crimes occur.