Three people charged with murder of woman whose body was found in November

BROCKTON, Mass. — A grand jury has returned indictments to charge three people with murder after the death of a woman in Bridgewater last fall.

Fernando Owens, 45, of Dorchester, Julian Squires, 43, and Shannon Squires, 41, are all charged with murder and aggravated kidnapping.

Police say those three people killed 29-year-old Ashley Bortner of New Jersey and disposed of her body in a burning car in Bridgewater in early November.

Investigators say Bortner’s body had been burned over 70 percent, she had been gagged by clothing, her face wrapped in a towel and her hands and feet bound behind her.

It is believed Owens was acquainted with Bortner and police seized items from his Dorchester home they say link him to the murder.

In November, prosecutors said there was reason to believe Owens suspected Bortner of having a role in his son's death.

The indictment alleges that the Squires were in Bridgewater around the time of the 911 call that alerted police to the burning car containing Bortner’s body.

Police are searching for Owens while the Squires are currently being held on bail.

Cox Media Group