UPDATE: Murdered Montclair Woman Found In N.J. Park, Cops Offer $10K Reward

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the conviction of 20-year-old Montclair resident Sarah Butler’s killer.

The New Jersey Regional Medical Examiner’s Office declared Butler’s death a homicide on Friday afternoon, almost two weeks after her family reported her missing, according to a statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti.

“At this point in the investigation, it has been determined that the victim’s body was placed in an area of Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange,” prosecutors stated.

The Essex County Sheriff Crime Stoppers Program is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Butler’s murder. 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.

An investigation is active and ongoing, prosecutors said.

Montclair officials released the following alert Wednesday morning:

“On Nov. 23, family members of Ms. Sarah Butler (20-years-old from Montclair) reported her missing. Ms. Butler was last seen on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at approximately 8 p.m.

“Sarah Butler is described as a black female, 5 feet 5 inches, about 170 pounds, with brown eyes, black/red hair, a medium build and medium to dark skin complexion. She was last seen wearing a black zip-up jacket labeled ‘Premiere Dance Theater’ with orange stripes, large men's reading glasses, silver hoop earrings, dark blue jeans, a black headband, tall black boots, and a black side bag with a long strap.”

Montclair officials said that Butler was last seen operating a light blue/gray 2007 Dodge Caravan with yellow scrapes along the rear driver side.

'A COLLEGE STUDENT WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE'

The Montclair YMCA stated that Butler was a former lifeguard at its Park Street branch in a Facebook post on Friday.

"As a 20-year-old college student, she had a bright and promising future ahead of her... Her family is grieving and we pray for answers so their healing can begin," YMCA President Jo Ann Short wrote.

Photo: Montclair Township