26-year-old Jayce Donte Lee has been identified by Berks County Detectives as the suspect in a double shooting that took place after midnight Sunday, during a large birthday party at a residence in South Heidelberg Township.
According to investigators, South Heidelberg Township Police arrived at the location to find two gunshot victims. One victim, a 22-year-old male, had suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen, while the second victim, a 22-year-old male, was shot in his finger and right thigh. Both victims were transported to the Reading Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Both victims are expected to recover from their injuries.
The South Heidelberg Township Police Department contacted the Berks County Detectives and requested that the county detectives to handle this criminal investigation. In addition, the Berks County Forensic Services Unit responded to process the scene and collect the physical evidence.
The investigation into the incident revealed that a large birthday party was being held at a residence located in the 100 block of Butternut Court. At approximately 12:35am, police say a male brandished a handgun and fired it, resulting in the gunshot wounds to both victims. They say the shooting occurred outside of the residence on the driveway. After the shooting, the male shooter fled the area on foot.
The ongoing investigation identified the shooter as Jayce Donte Lee, originally from Folcroft, PA, Delaware County, but Detectives say he has ties to Reading, PA.
In addition, the firearm used in the shooting was discarded at the scene and was later recovered by detectives. Police say the firearm had previously been reported stolen to the Reading Police Department in April of 2023.
Lee has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Persons not to Possess a Firearm, Firearms not to be Carried Without a License, and Receiving Stolen Property.
An extensive search of the area was conducted early Sunday morning of the neighborhood and surrounding businesses district. As of Monday afternoon, Detectives say Lee has not been apprehended.
Police describe Lee as 6 foot, 6 inches, weighing approximately 170 lbs. Anyone with information regarding the incident or knows the current whereabouts of Jayce Donte Lee are asked to contact the Berks County Detective’s Office at 610-478-7171 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County at (877) 373-9913.
