UPDATE: The suspect has been arrested Ocean County officials said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio announced that Ms. Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 48, of Brick Township, has been charged with murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1) in connection with the death of Ms. Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus, 32, of Brick Township.
According to a statement released by police, on May 17, Brick Township Police were summoned to a residence on Creek Road for a report of an unresponsive female.
Upon arrival, Officers found the lifeless body of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus in an upstairs bedroom of the residence.
Police say May 18, 2020, the Ocean County Medical Examiner
performed a post-mortem examination of Ms. Gavilanez-Alectus’ body, and determined the manner of her death to be a homicide.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that both the victim and the defendant resided at the Creek Road address.
The investigation further revealed that a cylindrical container used for chilling wine was utilized in the commission of the murder. The injuries sustained by Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus were consistent with the implementation of this item.
Police say further investigation ultimately determined that Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus did cause the victim’s death. A warrant for the arrest of Mayra Gavilanez- Alectus has been issued.
Police say Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was also charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d. Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus is not currently in
custody and is currently a fugitive.