A devastating incident unfolded in Syracuse, New York, as a young woman lost her life on her 21st birthday. The victim, Joselyn Jhoana Toaquiza, was suffocated and killed on June 18, according to officials.
The suspect, identified as Jhon Moises Chacaguasay-Ilbis, also 21 years old, has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse in connection with Toaquiza's death. Both individuals were reported to be in the U.S. illegally and originally from Ecuador.
Reports indicate that Chacaguasay-Ilbis and Toaquiza knew each other from their time in primary school in Ecuador. Toaquiza had fled her home country to escape an abusive relationship, although the identity of her ex-partner remains unknown.
Surveillance footage captured the pair entering an Airbnb together on the day of the incident. Later, Chacaguasay-Ilbis was seen carrying Toaquiza's body out of the rental property.
Following the tragic event, the suspect allegedly buried Toaquiza in a shallow grave before boarding a Greyhound bus to New York City. He eventually surrendered to authorities and is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center.
The investigation into this heartbreaking case is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to uncover all relevant details. Efforts to reach out to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further information are underway.
