Reading fatal shooting of man by father ruled ‘justified use of force’, Berks DA says

Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced Friday afternoon that a Reading man was justified in fatally shooting his son during a confrontation Saturday, August 13, 2022, in Northwest Reading.

Police were dispatched a residence on the 600 block of Front Street at 9:13am for a domestic incident that was taking place between a father and his son at the father’s home.

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Investigators say during the incident, the father asked his grandson to call 911. The son, identified as 38 year-old Alexis Martinez, of the area of 6th and Franklin Street, was visiting his father. The Martinez had been drinking and was threatening his father who resided at his home on North Front Street.

During the confrontation, investigators say Martinez threw a glass beer bottle at his father and threatened his father with a large knife and another weapon. During the confrontation, the father retrieved his firearm and shot Martinez. Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators added that Martinez had a history of assaultive behavior and mental health issues and that the father and his grandson stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with the police.

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After a thorough review of the incident and after consultation with the Reading Police Department, the District Attorney determined that the homicide of Alexis Martinez by his father was a justified use of force.

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Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Subscribe today: berksweekly.com/subscribe
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