Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Wanted for Murder: Fernando Owens

NOVEMBER 24, 2015
ARREST WARRANT ISSUED FOR DORCHESTER MAN WANTED IN MURDER OF BRIDGEWATER BURN VICTIM
New charges against New Hampshire couple for their role in homicide
BROCKTON – An arrest warrant has been issued for a Dorchester man and new charges have been filed against a New Hampshire couple, all believed to be involved with the murder and disposal of a victim found dead and burned in Bridgewater, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced today.
State Police assigned to the District Attorney’s Office today obtained an arrest warrant for Fernando Owens (DOB: 9/4/72) of Dorchester. Owens is wanted for the November 3rd murder of 29-year-old Ashley Bortner of New Jersey.
Also today, arrest warrants were issued against a Manchester, N.H. married couple, charging them with Accessory After the Fact of Murder. Julian Squires (DOB: 12/08/74) and Shannon Squires (DOB: 07/04/76) were arraigned yesterday on charges they mislead investigators. Today, those charges were upgraded for their roles in Bortner’s death.
Fernando Owens
Bridgewater Police received a 911 call at approximately 11:40 pm November 3rd and responded to a fire burning on the west side of the MBTA train tracks and determined it was a human body burning. The victim was later identified as Bortner. Her body was burned over 70%, she had been gagged by her own clothing and her face was wrapped with a towel and she was found in a comforter. Bortner’s hands and feet were bound behind her and electrical cord was around her neck.
State Police investigators have determined that Owens was acquainted with the victim in this case and that he believed Bortner had a hand in the recent death of Fernando’s son, Domenic Owens. Police seized items from Fernando Owens’ home at 65 Lonsdale Street in Dorchester that link him to the murder, including the same sort of Egyptian cotton bath towel and identical electrical cord found on the victim.
Cell phone records from the Squires put the couple in Bridgewater around the time of the 911 call to Bridgewater Police on November 3rd. Additionally, the Squires own a vehicle similar
to the dark SUV described by the 911 caller. The couple are currently still being held on bail in the misleading police charge.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Fernando Owens is encouraged to contact State Police at 508-947-8087, MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1050 or Bridgewater Police at 508-697-6118.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation by State Police assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and Bridgewater Police. MBTA Police and Boston Police assisted with the investigation. Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Elumba and Brian Fahy are prosecuting the case.
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