2016 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19,, 2016

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs (609) 882-2000
Capt. Stephen Jones - ext. 6513
Lt. Brian Polite - ext. 6514
SFC Gregory Williams - ext. 6515
Sgt. Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
Tpr.II Alina Spies - ext. 6531


State Police Arrest Two Men for Leaving the Body
of Danyelle Minerva in Wooded Area

Alloway Township, Salem County –Yesterday, detectives from the New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit arrested Jose Sosa-Ayala, 40, and Jose Felix-Sosa, 45, both of Bridgeton, N.J., for disposing of the body of Danyelle Minerva, 19, of Atco, N.J., in a rural, wooded area in Alloway Township.

On Monday, January 11, at 1:48 p.m., tree service workers discovered the body of Danyelle Minerva in a wooded area along Woodstown-Alloway Road. She had been reported missing by family members since last October.

Through various investigative means, State Police detectives, working with the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, were able to develop Jose Sosa-Ayala and Jose Felix-Sosa as suspects. Investigators determined that in October, Sosa-Ayala brought the victim to his residence. During her stay, the victim passed away. Sosa-Ayala and Felix Sosa later discovered that the victim was deceased. Sosa-Ayala allegedly carried the victim out of the house, placed her body in his 2005 Toyota Tundra, and left her in a wooded area where she was later discovered.

Jose Sosa-Ayala and Jose Felix-Sosa were charged with conspiracy, desecration of human remains, and endangering the welfare of a victim. Both were lodged at the Salem County Jail. Bail for Sosa-Ayala was set at $600,000 no 10% and $500,000 no 10% for Felix-Sosa.

The cause and manner of death have yet to be determined, and there were no obvious signs of physical trauma to the body.

Charges are mere accusations, and the suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Photo of Jose Sosa-Ayala

Jose Sosa-Ayala

Photo of Jose Felix-Sosa

Jose Felix-Sosa

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