By: Richard L. Smith
An Elizabeth man has been arrested in connection with the homicide of his wife, whose remains were found in Pennsylvania days after she was reported missing.
According to a statement released by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, 42-year-old Rolando Corte has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 39-year-old Lucrecia E. Jadan Sumba.
Ms. Sumba was reported missing by her family and friends on January 9, 2025, after they last saw her the previous day.
Following an extensive investigation, her remains were discovered on January 11 in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. Sources said Ms. Sumba was hacked to death by the suspect.
The source also revealed that the couple were married for about 23 years with four children.
The incident reportedly happened at an address in the 400 block of Elmora Avenue which comes back to a business.
An autopsy conducted by the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office determined her death to be a homicide.
The investigation, a joint effort by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, the Elizabeth Police Department, the Coopersburg Police Department, and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, led to Corte's arrest on January 12.
He is currently being held at the Union County Jail, with his first court appearance scheduled for January 16, 2025.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Sergeant Lamar Hartsfield at 908-451-1873.