A Bridgeton man has been charged in the killing of a man missing since Friday.
Jonathan Morris II, 23, disappeared after going out with friends after work. Extensive searches boosted by family and friends turned up some of Morris’ belongings along with his mother’s car, which he had been driving.
It was inside that vehicle where 21-year-old Miguel Perez fatally shot Morris, according to the charges.
The two men were friends, family said when both attended Bridgeton High School.
Perez was arrested at his home Monday.
A short time later, detectives found Morris’ remains covered in snow about 15 feet from the roadway on Archie Platt Road, State Police said.
Perez allegedly dumped the body there, near where he also abandoned the vehicle.
He then went to a residence on Cottage Avenue, where he tried to dispose of evidence, State Police said.
It was in that area where Morris’ cell phone last pinged, according to family.
Perez is now in the Cumberland County jail on charges of murder, weapons offenses, desecration of human remains, evidence tampering, hindering, obstruction, escape, and receiving stolen property.
The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office has moved for a hearing to have him detained.
Bridgeton police assisted in the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jacob Schor or Detective Sgt. George Auge of Troop “A” Bridgeton station at 856-451-0101 or submit a tip to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office at http://njccpo.org/tips. Anonymous tips are welcome.
