HOBOKEN, N.J. —
A body found in the Hudson River on March 23 has been linked to a homicide that happened in February near Castle Point Skate Park in Hoboken, officials said.
The Regional Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identity of the victim is Julio Flores, 23, of Passaic. Flores died after being shot in the head, officials said.
A four-day investigation determined that Erick Fernandez, 26, allegedly shot Flores and disposed of the body in the Hudson River.
A man is facing murder charges after allegedly killing a victim and discarding their body in the Hudson River, authorities announced on Monday. The incident has shocked the local community, as prosecutors reveal details of the grisly crime.
According to law enforcement sources, the man, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, is accused of murdering the victim and later dumping their body into the river in an attempt to conceal the crime. The body was discovered by authorities during a routine search of the waterway, and forensic evidence reportedly linked the suspect to the death.
Prosecutors claim that the man deliberately disposed of the body to evade capture, but investigators quickly pieced together the details through interviews, surveillance footage, and evidence collected at the scene. The body was discovered by police after a tip-off from a local resident, leading to a breakthrough in the case.
The suspect has been arrested and is currently being held without bail. He faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalties under the law.
The victim’s identity has been withheld pending notification of next of kin, but authorities confirmed that the person was a local resident who had been reported missing in the days leading up to the discovery of the body.
This case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather evidence. Local residents have expressed their shock and sorrow, with many offering condolences to the victim’s family. Law enforcement has urged anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
An arrest warrant was issued for Fernandez, who, at that time, was in custody at the Garfield Police Department on an unrelated matter. Fernandez was arrested for first-degree murder and disturbing/desecrating human remains, among other charges.
Fernandez is being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
