Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that Hellen Carrasco, 23, of Jersey City has been charged in connection with the death of Francine Vincent, 25, of New York.
The charges against Carrasco arise from her disposing of the victim’s body. Carrasco is charged with improper disposal of human remains, a second degree offense.
The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined. Carrasco and the victim met shortly before Vincent’s death.
Vincent’s body was discovered in a blue tarp in the driveway of a home in the 300 block of South 20th Street in Newark at approximately 9:10 pm on Feb. 8.
The investigation indicates that Vincent, who is originally from South Jersey, lived in New York City and worked in a restaurant/bar. She left work after the Super bowl and went to other establishments. She was seen exiting a bar around 4 a.m. on Feb. 8. Her body was subsequently discovered in Newark.
“Essex County will not tolerate the transporting and disposing of a body in this county. This is a serious offense and it will be treated as such. The victim and her family deserved the respect of proper notification and burial,’’ said Essex County Prosecutor’s Chief of Detectives Quovella Spruill.
Bail for Carrasco was set at $75,000 no 10 percent.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.