The body of a missing New Jersey mom was found on Tuesday in an abandoned home about 11 miles away from where she lived, NBC News reported.
After police found 32-year-old Karla Jose Villagra Garzon, they charged her husband, 39-year-old Abayuba Rivas, in her death.
Rivas reported his wife missing on Feb. 23. He reportedly told police Garzon left their house to walk to a local pharmacy and never came back.
However, neighbors told NBC News that they were always suspicious of Rivas' story.
"They've got two cars. How's she going to walk away that late at night?" said Diana Giraldo.
Giraldo said that Garzon was a "very nice person" and "very lovely mom."
"We are in shock," she said, adding that there was never any indication of Rivas being abusive.
According to an autopsy, Garzon died of asphyxiation with blunt force trauma contributing as a factor.
Rivas was charged with first-degree murder and other offenses. Prosecutors said bail was set at $2 million.
It is not yet know if Rivas has an attorney yet.
Anyone with information is asked to call Union County Prosecutor's Office Detective Danika Ramos at (908) 965-3807.
