Police: Remains Of Missing Mt. Laurel Woman Found In Maryland
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (CBS) -- The remains of a missing New Jersey woman, believed to be murdered by her husband, was found in Maryland, investigators said Wednesday.
Investigators said the remains of 26-year-old Erica Crippen were found in Sykesville, a rural town in Maryland, Tuesday afternoon.
Kyle Crosby, 28, has been held in the Burlington County jail since he was charged in mid-January with murdering his wife. He is being held on $1.2 million bail.
Investigators with the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon that the remains of Crippen were found underneath a pile of branches and limbs. She was found wrapped in a fleece blanket.
According to investigators, Crippen's hands and feet were bound with an electrical wire, which was also wrapped around her neck. She also had duct tape across her mouth and nose.
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed in Baltimore Wednesday to determine her exact cause of death.
Investigators say they believe Crippen was murdered in the early morning hours on New Year's Eve.
Crosby was taken into custody January 12th by Brooklawn police officers following a traffic stop and foot chase in Bellmawr.
In the trunk of the vehicle being driven by Crosby, investigators found several items they say had evidential value in connection to her disappearance.
According to investigators, Crippen lived with Crosby and two children -- a seven-year-old daughter from a previous relationship -- and their three-month-old daughter.
Officers with the Mount Laurel Police Department were sent to the couple's home on January 7th for a wellness check after the older child failed to report to school that week.
Investigators said Crosby signed a missing person report that day indicating he had not seen his wife since New Year's Day.
Further investigation led to a charge against Crosby filed on January 10th for Endangering the Welfare of a Child due to the level of care he provided to the children in the absence of his wife.
Investigators say the existence of that charge allowed law enforcement officers to execute the traffic stop Monday and detain Crosby.
During the news conference Wednesday afternoon, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said Crosby traveled to Maryland shortly after his wife went missing.
Investigators said the GPS inside Crosby's car revealed that he spent a lengthy period of time in Carroll County, Maryland, which is where Crippen's remains were found.
On Tuesday, Jo Crosby, Kyle's mother, was charged with helping her son to conceal the murder. She was released after posting bail.