Crime & Safety
Bergen Murder Victim Remembered As Beloved Fair Lawn Mom, Sister
Jeanette Willem was killed in Northvale this week. Her family is sharing memories to ensure that she's remembered as more than a victim.
FAIR LAWN, NJ — Over the course of the week, Jeanette Willem has become known for a reason other than being a Fair Lawn mom, sister and friend.
Willem was killed at Northvale's Jamis Bike warehouse this week, thus, her name has become affiliated with the story of a victim. At least one member of her family is attempting to share more information about who she really was.
Her brother, Matt Willem, has created a GoFundMe page which is collecting money for airfare and funeral costs, but also because, he said, people asked him to. While the page is up, he's using it to remember his sister and "best friend."
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"My family is going through hard times right now and they are going to get everything taken care of. But, our minds are on what happened to Jeanette, and how her life was taken from her in a senseless act. Of course there is a ton of stuff to figure out at this time. We are trying to remember the memories of Jeanette," he wrote.
"A large amount of people loved my sister and the response has been overwhelming."
Find out what's happening in Fair Lawn-Saddle Brookfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The fundraiser — which can be found here — has raised over $5,000 so far.
According to the trade publication Bicycle Retailer, Jamis Bikes issued a statement, calling Willem "a longtime and most valued member of our family."
Murder Charge Filed
At approximately 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Northvale police responded to the warehouse at 151 Ludlow Ave. on reports that someone was injured. Upon arrival, police located 43-year-old Jeanette A. Willem, who prosecutors said died from a head wound.
Local police and prosecutors conducted an investigation, and eventually determined that Christian V. Giron, an employee at the warehouse, murdered Willem with a hammer.
Giron was arrested later on Wednesday, and faces charges of murder, weapon possession and hindering his own apprehension. He was taken to Bergen County Jail, where he awaits a first appearance in court.
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