Livingston, NJ – Authorities in New Jersey have arrested a 35-year-old man accused of strangling his girlfriend to death, driving around for hours with her body, and sending messages from her phone to make it appear that she was still alive. The suspect, Andres Calvachi-Paz, now faces first-degree murder and multiple other charges in the death of 28-year-old Dayana Chisaguano Maleza.
The Incident: Woman’s Body Found Near Golf Course
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation began when a worker at the Cedar Hill Golf Course in Livingston, about 25 miles west of Manhattan, discovered Maleza’s body around 8:45 a.m. while chasing deer off the course. The employee followed a foul odor to a wooded area near Walnut Street, where the woman’s remains were found.
Authorities identified the victim as Dayana Chisaguano Maleza, who shared an apartment with Calvachi-Paz in Newark, New Jersey. Investigators determined that she had likely been dead for several days before her body was discovered.
Officials quickly linked Calvachi-Paz to the killing and took him into custody on Tuesday, charging him with first-degree murder, second-degree disturbing human remains, and third-degree theft.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Detectives said the couple had been arguing earlier this month when Maleza told Calvachi-Paz she wanted to end their relationship. According to the prosecutor’s office, the argument escalated violently, and Calvachi-Paz strangled her to death inside their shared home.
After the murder, police say Calvachi-Paz placed Maleza’s body in his car and drove around for several hours, unsure of what to do. He eventually dumped her body in a wooded area near the golf course.
“Afterward, Calvachi-Paz allegedly engaged in an elaborate scheme to make it appear as though the victim was still alive, including sending messages from her cellphone,” prosecutors said in a statement.
Authorities say he sent texts and photos from Maleza’s phone to friends and family in an attempt to delay suspicion. Despite these efforts, police were able to track his movements and ultimately link him to the crime through forensic evidence and phone records.
During questioning, Calvachi-Paz admitted to killing Maleza, though investigators have not yet determined the exact date of her death.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Calvachi-Paz has been charged with:
- First-degree murder for the killing of Dayana Maleza
- Second-degree disturbing human remains for dumping her body
- Third-degree theft related to property taken during or after the crime
He is currently being held without bond at the Essex County Jail, according to court records. Authorities have not yet confirmed his next court appearance or whether he has entered a plea.
If convicted, Calvachi-Paz faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Statements and Reactions from Officials
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office called the killing a “disturbing and calculated act of violence”, emphasizing the suspect’s attempt to conceal the crime through deception.
Investigators noted that the case demonstrated the importance of community vigilance, as it was the golf course employee’s alertness that led to the discovery of Maleza’s body.
Local residents have expressed shock at the nature of the crime, calling it one of the most gruesome and cold-hearted domestic violence cases in recent years in the Livingston area.
Background and Domestic Violence Context
Authorities confirmed that Calvachi-Paz and Maleza had been in a long-term relationship, sharing an apartment in Newark. Prosecutors said the fatal confrontation occurred when Maleza attempted to end the relationship, a situation that tragically escalated into lethal domestic violence.
Experts on domestic abuse have highlighted that breakups are among the most dangerous periods for victims of intimate partner violence. Many advocates are now urging renewed focus on resources for individuals leaving abusive relationships, including hotlines and safe housing programs.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The investigation remains active, with detectives still analyzing digital evidence, including messages and GPS data from both the victim’s and the suspect’s phones. Authorities are also awaiting the final autopsy report, which will determine the precise cause and time of death.
Calvachi-Paz will remain in custody until his preliminary hearing. Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence regarding the timeline of events and the steps he took to hide his crime.
Conclusion
The tragic killing of Dayana Chisaguano Maleza has once again drawn attention to the dangers of intimate partner violence and the lengths some perpetrators go to cover their crimes. As the legal process unfolds, prosecutors have vowed to seek the maximum sentence for a man they describe as “cold and calculated” in his actions.
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