Monmouth County woman changes her phone number and moves out to hide from her ex. Then police find her Honda and realize what is in the backseat

Jordan J. Vilcatoma-Correjo received a sentence of life in prison plus an additional 10 years for the 2022 murder of his former girlfriend, 26-year-old Sonia Gonzales. Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley issued the sentence on Thursday. The extra 10 years come from a conviction for second-degree disturbing human remains, and he will serve this time consecutively to the life sentence for first-degree murder. A jury found him guilty of both charges back in June.

As reported by True Crime News, the incident started on June 10, 2022, when the Atlantic Highlands Police Department received a call shortly before 7:45 a.m. Officers arrived at the scene near Asbury Avenue, located between Navesink and Grand avenues. They found a Honda Accord with the body of Sonia Gonzales in the backseat. Police took Vilcatoma-Correjo into custody at the scene.

An investigation involving the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Atlantic Highlands Police Department, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Edison Police Department resulted in the charges. A grand jury indicted the 33-year-old Edison resident in September 2022.

Gonzales avoided Vilcatoma-Correjo days before her death, prosecution says

During the trial, prosecutors provided evidence that Gonzales went to great lengths to avoid Vilcatoma-Correjo after their relationship ended. She moved out of the home they shared, changed her phone number, and altered her daily routine. Assistant Prosecutors Caitlin J. Sidley and Danielle Zanzuccki used these facts to challenge the defense claim of passion provocation. They showed that Vilcatoma-Correjo acted in an increasingly obsessive, aggressive, and threatening manner in the days before the killing.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago spoke about the case as it concluded during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Regarding the outcome, Santiago stated, “The sentence imposed against the defendant for the murder of former girlfriend Sonia Gonzales reflects the devastating consequences of domestic violence – and the irreversible loss of a life due to a patently heinous and senseless act.”

With this, the victim’s family heavily mourns the loss

Santiago also discussed the permanent toll on those left behind. He noted that the family of Gonzales now faces the life sentence of living without her.

Regarding the broader impact of such crimes, Santiago said, “We want to take this opportunity to honor and remember Sonia, whose life was tragically taken, and recognize all the other victims whose lives were forever changed due to acts of domestic violence.” He added, “While no sentence can undo this tragedy or ease the pain endured by all those who loved Sonia, it is our hope that justice provides some measure of accountability.”

The prosecutor reaffirmed that his office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and stated that domestic violence should never be ignored, excused, or tolerated. Vilcatoma-Correjo had representation from attorney Michael E. Cirigliano during the trial.

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