Dorchester Man Accused of Murder, Kidnapping Arraigned in Brockton

Image Credit: WHDH, 7-News

BROCKTON, MA - A Dorchester man who was found in the Dominican Republic was arraigned Thursday on murder and kidnapping charges.

Fernando Owens, 43, pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and murder during his arraignment in Brockton Superior Court, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's office. He was ordered held without bail.

In November, police in Bridgewater received a 911 call for a fire near train tracks. Police determined it to be a human body on fire and it was later identified as 29-year-old Ashley Bortner of New Jersey. Bortner’s body had been burned over 70 percent, she had been gagged by clothing and her face was wrapped with a towel. Bortner’s hands and feet were also bound behind her, according to the DA's office.

State police determiend that Bortner and Owens were linked, with an arrest occuring on March 8 in the Dominican Republic. He was transported to New York by the U.S. Marshals Service where he was arraigned on a fugitive from justice charge on the Massachusetts Murder warrant on Friday. Owens waived extradition and Massachusetts State Troopers assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office returned Owens to Brockton today for arraignment.

A New Hampshire married couple have also been charged in Bortner’s murder. Julian Squires, 41 and Shannon Squires, 39, face one count each of Murder and aggravated kidnapping.

Owens is due back in court on July 15.