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NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of Public Information (609) 882-2000
Lt. Stephen Jones - ext. 6513
A/SFC Brian Polite - ext. 6514
A/Sgt Adam Grossman - ext. 6516

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2013

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Troopers Arrest Jersey City Man for Double Murder

Hamilton, NJ – Detectives from the New Jersey State Police, working with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Marshals Service, have arrested a Jersey City man for the murder of two Jersey City men found behind a residence in Buena Vista Township.

The suspect has been identified as Yusuf Ibrahim, 28, of Jersey City, N.J.

On Thursday, February 7, 2013, detectives from the Troop A Criminal Investigation Office responded to a report of suspicious activity at 1124 Harding Highway in Buena Vista Township. Upon arrival, detectives from Buena Vista Station obtained permission to search a wooded area behind the residence. While searching in the wooded area, an area of disturbed dirt was located approximately 20 yards into the woods by cadaver dogs.

Armed with a search warrant, detectives from the Major Crime Unit, Criminal Investigation Office, and Crime Scene Unit continued the search of the disturbed area. During an excavation of the area, two male bodies were discovered without their heads or hands attached. Both bodies seem to have suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest. A short time later, a New Jersey State Police canine located another burial site which uncovered two human heads and four human hands. The Atlantic County Medical Examiner’s Office was apprised of the investigation and took possession of the remains. The men were later identified as 25 and 27 year old Jersey City residents.

As the investigation progressed, Ibrahim was identified as the prime suspect. It was also learned that he was driving a white Mercedes Benz that belonged to one of the victims. Assistant Prosecutor John Maher approved desecration of human remains charges against Ibrahim.

Following investigative leads, detectives discovered that on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, the Mercedes Benz was located by the Philadelphia Police Department at 4110 Penns Grove Street in Philadelphia. The vehicle was abandoned and set on fire. The bi-state search for Ibrahim continued on throughout the weekend during the snow storm.

On Sunday, February 10, 2013, detectives from the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, Troop B TEAMS Unit and the Troop B Canine Unit apprehended Yusuf Ibrahim at a residence in Bayonne, N.J., where he was placed under arrest.

"These were grisly murders in which the defendant allegedly shot both victims in the chest at close range," said Attorney General Chiesa. "We allege that the defendant was ruthless and calculating in the manner in which he carried out the killings and attempted to prevent identification of the victims by cutting off their heads and hands before burying their bodies. The New Jersey State Police has conducted a thorough investigation, which will enable us to secure justice for the victims."

“I want to commend our troopers and detectives who worked tirelessly in tough conditions during this investigation” said Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Wilson, Deputy Superintendent of Investigations. “I hope the capture and arrest of this man for these heinous crimes will provide closure to the families of the victims and put the community of Buena Vista Township at ease.”

“I want to express my heartfelt sympathy for the families of the victims,” said Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain. “Law enforcement agencies in this multi-state investigation cooperated to immediately protect our communities and rapidly solve this crime."

Yusuf Ibrahim has been charged with two counts of desecration of human remains and two counts of murder. He has been lodged at the Atlantic County Jail.

The case will be prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice under the Office of the Attorney General.

Charges are merely accusations and the suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty.

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Yusuf Ibrahim

Yusuf Ibrahim

 

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