Rahway Man Admits Strangling Girlfriend As Son Slept Nearby

RAHWAY, NJ — A Rahway man admitted to strangling his girlfriend to death just feet away from where their young son was also sleeping in 2015, Union County First Assistant Prosecutor Albert Cernadas Jr. announced Wednesday.

Ignacio Ortiz Vasquez, 42, pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree murder and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the death of 27-year-old Yuri Cruz.

Rahway Police reportedly found an unresponsive Cruz at a home in the 900 block of Jacques Avenue in Rahway shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2015, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Spagnoli, who is prosecuting the case.

Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter. Vasquez had left the scene but was arrested later that day and lodged in Union County Jail on $1 million bail.

Vasquez could face up to life in state prison, with a mandatory 30-year minimum term.

Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Friday, June 8 before state Superior Court Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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