Belleville Woman's Boyfriend Charged With Murder, Body Found In Newark Car Trunk

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ - Authorities charged a Belleville man with murdering his girlfriend after finding the 41-year-old woman in the trunk of a car in Newark on Tuesday.

Police arrested Pedro Lora-Pena, 42, of Belleville, and charged him with the murder of Diana Boggio, 41, who was reported missing to Belleville police around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Police found Boggio inside the trunk of her Honda Accord and suffering from fatal injuries around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, which was parked at 25 Verona Avenue in Newark, authorities said.

Boggio was pronounced dead on the scene at 9:50 a.m. The cause and manner of her death are still pending an autopsy, prosecutors stated Tuesday.

Authorities charged Lora-Pena with murder, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose and moving or concealing human remains.

A preliminary investigation indicates that Lora-Pena murdered Boggio at another location and brought her to Newark, prosecutors said.

An investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.