CAMDEN, N.J. – Prosecutors in New Jersey say a missing woman found in a shallow grave was buried alive.
Two men, including a landscaper who worked for the woman, were arraigned Thursday on murder charges in her death.
Fatima Perez disappeared from her home in Camden on Monday. The body of the 41-year-old woman was found Wednesday about 20 miles away in Monroe Township.
Authorities said the victim's mouth and eyes were covered with duct tape before she was buried. Investigators say she apparently died of asphyxiation.
Police say landscaper Carlos Alicea-Antonetti (al-lee-SAY-ah'-ahn-toh-NE-tee) of Camden and another man, Ramon Ortiz of Pennsauken, told investigators they buried her alive.
The suspects applied for public defenders at their arraignment. Bail has been set at $5 million each.
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