Contributed by: CBrining
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Justo-Perez, 31, of the West Atlantic City section of Egg Harbor Township, allegedly stabbed Saily Abreu to death inside her Laydon Court townhouse Wednesday, then he allegedly set the building ablaze. More than 50 firefighters fought the flames, which destroyed the second and third floors of the home and damaged part of the neighboring townhouse.
The boyfriend's name was not released earlier because the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office was trying to contact Perez's relatives in Mexico. The announcement did not mention a possible motive for the killing of Abreu, 36, a hotel housekeeper and mother of five girls.
Abreu's body was found in the master bedroom on the third floor and Justo-Perez's body was on the second floor directly below the bedroom because the floor collapsed, according to the Prosecutor's Office.
Abreu, who died from multiple stab wounds, was identified through dental records.
Justo-Perez, who died from burns and smoke inhalation, was identified by co-workers through an unusual tattoo.
Abreu's daughters, who are 6 to 14 years old, were at school during the fire Wednesday afternoon. They are being taken care of by relatives and friends, according to Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel. The Oak Crest Estates Homeowners Association and the Hamilton Township and Absecon school districts have been collecting clothing, toys and gift-card donations for the families affected by the fire.
The house where Justo-Perez used to live in West Atlantic City was silent and empty Monday afternoon.
A neighbor said she didn't know Justo-Perez well because he mostly kept to himself. But she said he seemed nice and loved talking about cars. Justo-Perez used to work at the MGM Car Wash in Egg Harbor Township, and she would bring her car over for cleaning.
"The only thing I can say is he's a hard worker," she said. "He used to work seven days a week. I said, 'You don't have a day off?' He said, 'No, I don't stop.'"
E-mail Michelle Lee: MLee@pressofac.com
How to help
The Hamilton Township School District and the Oak Crest Homeowners Association are collecting donations of clothing, gift cards and other necessities for the families affected by this week's Laydon Court fire. For more information, call Debbie Fiamingo, Hamilton Township school emergency management secretary, at 609-476-6111, or Carol Johnston, Oak Crest Estates property manager, at 609-625-7442.
This story was taken from the news source stated above. It is not the opinion of The Elwood Vol. Fire Company or it's members.
Elwood Fire Rescue
https://www.evfc160.com/main/article.php/20090310080608874
