New Jersey

New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty in Slaying of Woman Found in Woods in Suitcase

What to Know

  • 30-year-old Tara Alicea was found dead in a suitcase in the woods in New Jersey more than four years ago
  • On Monday, Steven Stallworth, 31, of Pleasantville pleaded to aggravated manslaughter and desecrating human remains in her death
  • Prosecutors say he will face up to 28 years in prison and must serve at least 85 percent of the term before being eligible for early release

A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the death of a woman whose body was found in a suitcase in the woods more than four years ago.

Thirty-one-year-old Steven Stallworth of Pleasantville also pleaded guilty Monday to desecrating human remains in the death of 30-year-old Tara Alicea.

Atlantic County prosecutors said the Monroeville resident's body was found by a hunter in January 2014 in the woods a wooded area of Egg Harbor Township.

The New Jersey medical examiner's office said she was strangled between July 2013 and December 2013. Her remains were identified after photographs of her tattoos were distributed.

Prosecutors say Stallworth will face up to 28 years in prison and must serve at least 85 percent of the term before being eligible for early release.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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