A Dorchester man has been convicted of the murder of a woman found dead and burned in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced.
After a 7-day trial, a jury found Fernando Owens, 51, guilty of one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated kidnapping.
On November 3, 2015, Bridgewater police say they received a 911 call just before midnight for a report of a fire along the MBTA train tracks. Police determined it was a burning human body which was later identified as 29-year-old Ashley Bortner of New Jersey.
Bortner’s body had been more than 70% burned, she had been gagged and her face was wrapped in a towel, Bortner’s hands and feet were also bound behind her, authorities said.
According to evidence presented at trial, Owens knew the victim and believed that she somehow played a role in the murder of Owens’ son.
Shortly after the murder, Owens fled the United States for the Dominican Republic, but was captured by local authorities.
US Marshals tracked down Owens in Santo Domingo in connection with the alleged “revenge killing.”
Owens was the fourth person arrested in connection with the case and the third person charged with Bortner’s murder.
Co-defendants Julian Squires, 48, and Shannon Squires, 46, were also charged for their role in Bortner’s murder, and helped Owens kill and dispose of the body, according to authorities.
Julian Squires is currently serving a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Shannon Squires is scheduled to appear in court on July 20.
Owens will be sentenced on Friday at 10 am in Plymouth High Court.
