Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that Johnny Santiago, 51, of Newark has been arrested and charged with the murder of Adela Padilla, 76, also of Newark.
According to a statement released by authorities, Padillo was fatally stabbed in her Summer Avenue apartment on July 22, 2017.
Officials say a family member discovered Padilla in her home unresponsive suffering from stab wounds.
Today, Santiago, who had been hired to do small handyman jobs for the victim, was located by the U.S. Marshals Service and taken into custody according to authorities.
Police charged Santiago with murder, robbery, felony murder and weapons offenses.
Police say he is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.
“I commend the Homicide Task Force. Today’s arrest should reassure the residents that the men and women of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Newark Police Department will continue to work relentlessly to bring these types of offenders to justice,’’ said Police Director Ambrose.
These are accusations.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.