The Reading Police Department responded to eleven drug overdoses between April 9 and April 15, 2022, when the victims were found dead or died in the days that followed. As a result, Criminal Investigator Trevor Atkins and investigators with the Reading VICE Unit launched an investigation.
On Thursday, September 7, 2023, investigators announced they have arrested two, and are still searching for two suspects wanted in connection to the case.
Jesus Martinez-Espinal, 35, is wanted on nine counts of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, nine counts of Conspiracy to Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, fourteen counts of delivery and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, and fourteen counts of PWI/conspiracy.
Melanie Emerich, 41, has been taken into custody and charged with nine counts of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, nine counts of Conspiracy to Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, fourteen counts of delivery and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, and fourteen counts of PWI/conspiracy.
Jesus Santiago-Caceres, 24, has also been taken into custody and charged with two counts of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, two counts of Conspiracy to Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, two counts of delivery and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, and two counts of PWI.
In addition to these 3 suspects, the Reading Police Department is looking for assistance in identifying another male “John Doe” related to the case. (Pictured below)
Anyone with information on the two suspects, are asked to contact The Reading Police Department at (610)-655-6116 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913.
