Update – 3/31/26: According to Cumru Township Police, the preliminary findings of that autopsy supported by investigative evidence is the decedent died from thermal exposure along with smoke inhalation to include potential hazardous chemicals. A final cause and manner of death will be announced by the Berks County Coroner’s Office once all testing is complete.
According to Berks County Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel, the victim has been identified
as Elvin Francisco De La Cruz Martinez, 44, of the 800 Block of Chestnut Street,
Reading.
Original post: Authorities are investigating after a deceased individual was discovered inside a vehicle following an early morning fire Sunday near the Reading city line.
According to the Berks County Coroner’s Office, the Reading Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 3:23 a.m. on March 29 to the area of South 9th Street for a reported fire. Upon arrival, firefighters located a fully involved vehicle fire in Cumru Township.
After the fire was extinguished, a deceased individual was found inside the vehicle. Investigators were notified and responded to the scene.
Berks County Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel said the Coroner’s Office took custody of the decedent at 6:17 a.m. Following the on-scene investigation, the individual was transported to the Reading Hospital morgue. The identity of the deceased is pending positive identification.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, and will be conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Neil Hoffman.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Coroner’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Reading Fire Department, Cumru Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police Reading, Cumru Township Fire Department, and the Berks County Forensic Unit.
