Long Branch Man Sentenced To Life For 2013 Double Murder

LONG BRANCH, N.J. — A Long Branch man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a 2013 double murder. Carlos I. Menjivar, 26, was convicted of fatally stabbing Maria Yolanda Catejo-Munoz, 35, and Fredis Orlando Ventura, 33, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday.

“The defendant did not simply murder the victims, he butchered them," Judge David F. Bauman said during sentencing.

Catejo-Munoz was reported missing March 24, 2013, prompting a search. The search led Long Branch police to the Sairs Avenue apartment of Ventura, who was romantically involved with Catejo-Munoz. Police found both dead inside the apartment with multiple stab wounds.

Evidence at the trial revealed Ventura invited Menjivar, Catejo-Munoz and an unnamed third man to his residence in the early morning hours of March 24, 2013. After the third man left the apartment, Menjivar fatally stabbed both victims, the MCPO said.

During investigation, police learned Menjivar possessed a knife inside the apartment and asked the unnamed man not to tell police about it. Menjivar admitted Dec. 16, 2014 — 21 months later — he stabbed Ventura in the neck with a knife.

Menjivar told officials he was forced to do so by others who also killed Catejo-Munoz. DNA, forensic evidence and Menjivar's phone records disproved his version of events, the MCPO said.

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