BRIDGETON, N.J. – Five New Jersey men have been indicted in connection with two slayings linked to a statewide human trafficking ring, including that of one man who authorities say was operating a rival brothel.
The charges stem from the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Jose Ortiz, of Bridgeton, and the stabbing death of Eduardo Bernal, who was found stabbed to death in a Bridgeton apartment. Both slayings occurred in August 2014.
Authorities have said Ortiz apparently worked for the ring, while Bernal was killed because he allegedly operated a rival brothel in Bridgeton.
Each of the five men faces charges handed up by a Cumberland County grand jury including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, promoting organized street crime, conspiracy to commit robbery and various weapons offenses.
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