Vineland man charged with murder in fiancée's death
VINELAND, N.J.- First-degree murder charges have been filed against a Cumberland County man whose fiancée's body was found in his home.
VINELAND, N.J.- First-degree murder charges have been filed against a Cumberland County man whose fiancée's body was found in his home.
Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said the body of Britton Loyden, 23, of Vineland, was found Friday, a day after her mother reported her and her year-old son missing.
Vineland police later determined the child was unharmed and was at the home of his father, Ismael Pierce, 24, of Vineland. They found Loyden's body in a bedroom.
Citing the open investigation, authorities would not discuss how or when they believe Loyden was killed.
They said Pierce was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter but the charges were upgraded after an autopsy.
Pierce remained jailed Sunday on $500,000 bail. It was not known whether he had retained a lawyer. - AP