Police have made an arrest in the murders of two men who were found dead inside a shallow grave behind a home in Buena Vista Township.
New Jersey State Police took that person into custody Sunday. No further details have been released about the arrest at this time.
Sources tell NBC10 the bodies of Amgad Konds, 27, and another man were found buried in the back of a vacant home along the 1100 block of Harding Highway on Friday. Police say Konds was shot twice in the chest. Police have not yet identified the other man buried with Konds or released details on how he was killed.
Friends tell NBC10’s Daralene Jones the victims were roommates living in South West Philadelphia and also shared an apartment in Jersey City, New Jersey. Sources tell NBC10 police found Konds’ white 1997 Mercedes Benz on the 4100 block of Pennsgrove Avenue engulfed in flames hours after his body was discovered. Officers saw a man run away from the burning car and then drive off in a Nissan Sentra with Virginia tags. Sources say police found a gasoline container in the back seat of the car. Investigators also found blood, a shovel, and other evidence that tie the car to the crime scene in Buena.
Konds’ moved to America from Egypt four years ago, according to friends. He came to the area to work and sent almost every dollar earned back home, says Konds’ friend Samy Mohareb. Mohareb and other friends reported the two missing because after they did not see the pair around the neighborhood or at the Jersey City apartment they shared.
“Their family now is starting to cry, we need to see our son. We didn't even receive the body yet. I don't know maybe we'll receive it tomorrow, but they told us they are identified and they are sure that those are the two victims we are looking for,” said Mohareb.
The Buena home where the bodies were discovered sits on 14 acres and has been vacant for several months, according to neighbors.
“It’s a little scary. You’re right across the street from it,” said Jennifer Keiser. “You’re not sure, did it happen while I was home? Was I in bed and they were burying people? It’s very freaky.”
New Jersey State Police are expected to release more information about the murders Monday.
