DEPTFORD, N.J. (AP) -
A southern New Jersey man has been charged with murder and other offenses in the death of a man who was missing for four years ago before his body was found in a wooded area last month
Michael Zappley, 63, of Westville, admitted killing Miguel Martinez III, 30, of Deptford, at an auto-body shop in Deptford, according to the Salem County Prosecutor’s office, Zappley also admitted taking part in the “removal, desecration, and concealment” of Martinez’s body, prosecutors said.
Martinez had been reported missing in June 2016 to Deptford police. Investigators eventually determined he was murdered that month at the shop, but have not disclosed a possible motive or provided further details on how the slaying occurred.
Authorities say the death remains under investigation.
Besides the murder count, Zappley was also charged with desecration of remains and tampering with evidence. It wasn’t known Friday if he’s retained an attorney.
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