New Jersey State Police
12-year-old Autumn Pasquale of Clayton, NJ was reported missing Saturday after last seen around 12:30 as she rode her BMX bike to a friend’s house. Her parents called police after she never made it to that friend’s home.
After a search over the weekend by family, community members, FBI and members of 40 police agencies, Autumn’s body was found Monday in a recycling bin inside a home of two brothers, seven blocks away from the girl’s home. Prosecutors said died in a manner consistent with strangulation, with no signs of sexual assault.
During their investigation, the mother of the brothers contacted police regarding postings on a Facebook account of one of the suspects.
Yesterday authorities arrested the 15 and 17 year olds in that death, charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, disposal of a body, tampering of evidence and theft. The 15-year-old boy was also charged with one count of luring.
Police believe the boys lured Autumn to their home, promising her parts for her BMX bike.
Heather would have turned 13 on Monday.
