Alleged Killer Arrested in Murder of Rahway Mother

Rahway, NJ -- The alleged killer of 35-year-old Rahway mother of two has been arrested, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Wednesday.

Roberto Grillo, 36, of Bloomfield has been charged with a single count of murder in connection with the death of Yolanda Vega.

Vega was found strangled to death in her home in the 1900 block of Beacon Street in Rahway at approximately 4 a.m. on Dec. 7. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Vega’s teenage son said he saw a man with a gun hiding in her closet and fled to a neighbor’s house. Family members also claimed they found her body in the basement hours after Rahway police dogs combed the home.

A $10,000 reward was being offered for information leading to the arrest of her killer.

Grillo, who was known to Vega and her family, was charged with murder late Tuesday while in custody at Union County Jail.

He had already been arrested by Linden police for trespassing at the Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery on the evening of Dec. 6 – approximately 90 minutes after Vega was determined to have been killed, and at a location less than half a mile from her home, authorities said.

Bail for Grillo was set at $2 million by state Superior Court Judge William Daniel.

Convictions on first-degree murder charges are commonly punishable by 30 years to life in state prison.

(Photo provided: Robert Grillo, 36, of Bloomfield)