June 08, 2023
A fugitive wanted for his involvement in a triple homicide in Central Pennsylvania, which left two children dead, was captured in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, according to federal officials.
The U.S. Marshals found Ivan Claudio Rosero in Pennypack Park in Northeast Philly around 7:15 p.m. and took him into custody without incident. Rosero is a suspect in the May 30 shooting that killed brothers Jesus and Sebastian Perez-Salome, ages 8 and 9, and Joshua Lugo-Perez, 19, in Lebanon.
Two other suspects in the homicides, including a minor, were arrested in Lebanon shortly after the killings, the Associated Press reported. Prosecutors said they intend to pursue the death penalty against Rosero and the other adult.
On Tues at 7:15 pm @USMS_Philly task force investigators arrested Ivan Rosero, 27, in Philadelphia's PennyPack Park. Rosero was wanted for multiple counts of homicide in relation to a triple murder that occurred on May 30 in Lebanon County. Two victims were 8 and 9-year-old boys. pic.twitter.com/xlqIE7VXNN
— USMS Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) June 7, 2023
The two brothers had been playing with kittens in the backyard of their home before they were killed, investigators said. The boys' mother was working at a nearby convenience store when she heard gunshots and went home to find her children shot, a relative told AP.
Authorities said the suspects allegedly were targeting Lugo-Perez, who also lived in the home but was not related to the children. Lugo-Perez had had a "previous argument" with the shooters, according to officials.
Rosero allegedly fled the scene in a white BMW that investigators linked to his girlfriend, Tiffany Koziara. Koziara allegedly lied to authorities about her contact with Rosero and booked a hotel for herself and Rosero while authorities searched her house, prosecutors said. She has been charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive.
A statewide search for the white BMW led the U.S. Marshals to Philly, officials said. Rosero was found with the keys to the car, which was nearby.
Rosero told detectives that he drove himself and the other shooters to the house where the triple-homicide occurred, according to the Lebanon County District Attorney's Office. He also allegedly admitted to firing multiple shots.
Rosero and the other suspects – Alex Torres Santos, 22, and a 16-year-old boy, each have been charged with three counts of criminal homicide, conspiracy and other crimes, according to authorities.
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