Nayeli Nieves.Photo:CBS Boston/ YouTube
CBS Boston/ YouTube
A Massachusetts man has been accused of killing his girlfriend at their Salem apartment while their two young children were inside.
On Aug. 8, Pablo Vicente, 33, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of 20-year-old Nayeli Nieves, according to a news release from the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
As of Aug. 14, police were still searching for her body, a spokesperson with the Essex County District Attorney’s Office tells PEOPLE.
According to the D.A. ’s updated news release, prosecutors say one of Vicente’s relatives contacted a Lynn police detective on Aug. 7 and alleged Vicente had admitted to killing Nieves and putting her body in a dumpster near their Salem apartment.
This prompted investigators to contact Salem police, who then allegedly found “evidence” at the couple’s residence that “corroborated Vicente’s alleged statement to his relative," according to the release.
Both children have been placed in the care of the Department of Children and Families, the release states.
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Prosecutors say Vicente was arraigned on Aug. 8 in Salem District Court and has pleaded not guilty. PEOPLE couldn’t immediately find contact information for the attorney he obtained for bail purposes.
“Nayeli was a mother who would go above and beyond for her children. Her love for them was limitless and unwavering, embodying selflessness and unconditional care,” the fundraiser reads. “Unfortunately, her passing has left them without either parent and our family is stepping up to take on the responsibility to continue raising them.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
