Joselyn Toaquiza was reported missing on Wednesday, June 19, the day after she turned 21, before police learned she had been killed the day before.
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Joselyn Toaquiza
Police in Syracuse, New York, have made an arrest in the death of a woman who was reported missing the day after her 21st birthday.
Jhon Chacaguasay-Ilbis, 21, was taken into custody on Wednesday, June 26, and has since been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse in connection with the death of Joselyn Toaquiza.
He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Thursday, June 27, according to CNY Central.
According to Syracuse police, Toaquiza, who worked as a housekeeper, was reported missing at 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19.
“An investigation was initiated by detectives from the CID Homicide Unit, during which numerous people were interviewed and an extensive neighborhood and city-wide survey was conducted,” police said in a news release. “In addition, several search warrants were executed and evidence was recovered.”
Toaquiza’s body was found in Lincoln Park around 11:42 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, four days after her birthday.
She was strangled, the Onondaga County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to CNY Central. Syracuse.com, citing prosecutors, says she was killed on her birthday.
Chacaguasay-Ilbis and Toaquiza may have had a romantic relationship, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office said, via CNY Central.
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Chacaguasay-Ilbis turned himself in to Spring Valley police and was returned to Syracuse, where he is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center.
On a GoFundMe page, Toaquiza was described as a “very sweet young lady with a bright smile and a cheerful personality.”
“Joselyn was known for her kindness, warmth and unyielding spirit,” wrote friend and colleague Christopher Renna. “Her sudden and untimely death has left an irreplaceable void in our hearts.”
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