State Police Charge One With Murder of Missing South Jersey Man

NJ State Police wasted little time in charging a suspect in the death of Jonathan Morris 2nd, 23, of Bridgeton, N.J., whose remains were discovered  Monday, Jan. 31, in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County.

Police have charged Miguel Perez, 21, of Bridgeton with murder in connection to the missing person investigation of Jonathan Morris.

Authorities believe that on January 28, Perez allegedly shot and killed Morris in his vehicle in Bridgeton.

After killing Morris, Perez drove to Archie Platt Road, where he discarded the body and abandoned the vehicle. He later traveled to a residence on Cottage Avenue, where he attempted to dispose of evidence.

On Monday, detectives obtained information that identified Perez as a suspect in the investigation. Detectives located Perez at his residence and arrested him.

A short time later, detectives discovered Morris’ remains covered in snow approximately 15 feet from the roadway on Archie Platt Road.

According to family members, Morris worked at a group home in Sicklerville.

After his Thursday night shift, he reportedly went out with friends, and then communication with him suddenly stopped.

It was around 6 p.m. Friday when Morris' mother got a call that her BMW sedan had been found with its engine still running on Barretts Run Road in neighboring Hopewell.

According to family members, Morris works at a group home to support those in need in Sicklerville.

After his Thursday night shift, he reportedly went out with friends, and then communication suddenly stopped.

It was around 6 p.m. Friday when Morris' mother got a call that her BMW sedan had been found with its engine still running on Barretts Run Road in neighboring Hopewell.

Miguel Perez has been charged with murder, weapons offenses, desecration of human remains, evidence tampering, hindering, obstruction, escape, and receiving stolen property. He is in the Cumberland County Jail.