In the early hours of Monday, December 29, 2025, 18-year-old Rafael Mercado Jr. was fatally shot inside a residence on the 600 block of West College Avenue in York, Pennsylvania. Police were dispatched at 12:13 a.m. and found Mercado suffering from a gunshot wound; he did not survive.

Investigators identified 17-year-old Jadin Lagares of York as a person of interest; authorities say Mercado and Lagares were known to one another. A firearm and additional ammunition were recovered from Lagares’ home. Lagares was taken into custody and is set to be charged as an adult with homicide; as of late December he was awaiting arraignment.

Rafael, born October 21, 2007, was a junior at William Penn High School. Family remembered his big heart, bright smile, infectious laughter and how he made people feel safe and welcome; he is survived by his parents, partner, son and other relatives and friends.

If anyone has information about what happened that night, please share tips with the York Police.