07/31/2026
More than four months have passed since Michael Petrino Jr. disappeared in Reading, Pennsylvania, and despite significant developments in the investigation, the 23-year-old has still not been found.
Michael had recently moved to the Reading area with his girlfriend while training for a career in IT networking. The 2020 Palmyra Area High School graduate was beginning a new chapter in his life when he suddenly disappeared.
Investigators believe Michael was lured to the meeting under false pretenses on March 25th, 2026. Surveillance footage allegedly shows a tan Chevrolet sedan pulling into the alley behind the rented Jeep moments later. Michael was then allegedly forced into the Chevrolet and driven away. Prosecutors also allege those involved later abandoned the rented Jeep on Muhlenberg Street and destroyed his cellphone. Michael has not been seen since.
According to investigators, they now believe Michael was lured to the meeting under false pretenses. While authorities have shared additional details about the events leading up to his disappearance, they still have not said what happened after Michael's last confirmed sighting.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors have now filed charges against several people, including three juveniles who are being charged as adults for their alleged roles in luring Michael to the meeting. District Attorney John T. Adams has also said investigators no longer believe Michael survived, even though he has not been located.
Michael's family is still searching for answers and hoping someone will come forward with information that helps bring him home. Anyone with information about Michael's disappearance is asked to contact the Reading Police Department.
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