A man from Reading, Pennsylvania, Ismael Echevarria-Vazquez, 51, is in custody, facing charges of first and third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and drug-related offenses after allegedly staging a crime scene to claim self-defense in a fatal shooting. On Monday (December 29), Echevarria-Vazquez approached a police officer near City Hall, claiming he shot someone who broke into his home. However, investigators believe the shooting occurred hours earlier, possibly on Christmas Day, and suspect Echevarria-Vazquez broke a window to simulate a burglary.
Police discovered the body of Brian Ramirez-Ortiz, 39, inside Echevarria-Vazquez's home on South Ninth Street, surrounded by broken glass. An autopsy confirmed that Ramirez-Ortiz died from a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators found evidence, including two 9mm casings, a butane torch resembling a firearm, and heroin, which contradicted Echevarria-Vazquez's self-defense claim. Surveillance footage showed the two men together before the shooting, suggesting they knew each other.
District Attorney John Adams stated that the evidence indicates a staged scene rather than self-defense. Echevarria-Vazquez is being held without bail at Berks County Jail, with a preliminary hearing set for January 16. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the events leading to the shooting.
