Police have issued an arrest warrant for a Dorchester man in the murder of a New Jersey woman whose body was found burned beyond recognition near railroad tracks in Bridgewater earlier this month, officials said Tuesday.
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During his press conference, Cruz announced upgraded charges against a couple initially charged with lying to police in connection to the Bortner case.
Officials were not yet able to determine whether Bortner was connected to the death of Dominic Owens, but did say Fernando Ownes and Bortner were acquaintances. “Bortner’s hands and feet were bound behind her and electrical cord was around her neck”.
Cruz says Julian and Shannon Squires helped dispose of Bortner’s body.
“With the lifestyle they live, anything is possible”, said Owens’ step-father when asked if he believes his son is capable of killing someone.
“Police seized items from Fernando Owens’ home at 65 Lonsdale Street in Dorchester that link him to the murder, including the same sort of Egyptian cotton bath towel and identical electrical cord found on the victim”. Her body was found gagged and hogtied just before midnight with burns over 80-percent of her body.
Prosecutors say the Squires own an SUV similar to one described by a 911 caller.
If you see Owens, contact State Police at 508-947-8087, MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1050 or Bridgewater Police at 508-697-6118.
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Julian Squires, 40, was ordered held on $100,000 bail.
