Mom Rats Out Teen Sons in Murder of Girl, 12

Brothers lured Autumn Pasquale into their home, police say
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 24, 2012 2:17 AM CDT
Teen Brothers Charged With Murder of NJ Girl
These photos released by the Clayton, N.J. Police Department show Autumn Pasquale, 12.   (AP Photo/Clayton, N.J. Police Department)

A small New Jersey town already reeling from the discovery of missing 12-year-old Autumn Pasquale's body has been stunned by the arrest of two local youths in her murder. Two brothers, 15 and 17, have been charged with first-degree murder, body disposal, and tampering with evidence, the AP reports. Police say the younger teen lured Autumn into his home with the promise of parts for her bike and then, with his brother, murdered her.

Neighbors say the teens were known for stealing bikes and police were often at their house, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. Autumn's body was found stuffed into a recycling bin in a vacant lot next to the brothers' home. Police believe she was strangled, but say there are no signs of sexual assault. A police spokesman says the boys' mother came forward with information about a posting on one of her sons' Facebook accounts. The suspects—who attended a community vigil hours before the body was found—will appear in court on Friday and it's not clear whether they will be tried as adults. (More Autumn Pasquale stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X