Woman Allegedly Helped by Homicide Detective Charged With Murder

Police investigating whether a detective helped woman following the alleged murder of her ex-husband

A Philadelphia woman, who allegedly received help from a homicide detective following the stabbing death of her ex-husband, has been charged with murder.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said Erica Sanchez, 33, turned herself in to the  Internal Affairs Unit late Wednesday night.

"She contacted the Homicide Unit and they made arrangements for her to surrender," he said. "I understand that she made no statements.

Police say Sanchez stabbed Cesar Vera, her ex-husband, in the chest inside a home along the 3300 block of North 5th Street on Sept. 8.

Sources tell NBC10 Sanchez called a Philadelphia Police homicide detective after the incident and allegedly asked for help.

The detective, whose name is not being released because he is not charged with a crime, allegedly helped the woman get an attorney, use his car, move her vehicle from outside the crime scene and asked fellow detectives to 'go easy on her,' according to sources.

Police launched an Internal Affairs investigation after the allegations surfaced and raided the detective's house on Oct. 12, confiscating his cell phones and towing away his vehicle.

That investigation is on-going, according to officials.

In the meantime, a bench warrant was issued for Sanchez.

Sanchez stands charged with murder and possessing an instrument of a crime. She is being held in the Riverside Correctional Facility.


Contact Vince Lattanzio at 610.668.5532, vince.lattanzio@nbcuni.com or follow @VinceLattanzio on Twitter.

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