The Monroe man was found in a wooded area several miles from his home
MONROE -- A township man has been charged with killing his stepfather in the home they shared on a quiet suburban street.
Joao C. Torres, 26, was arrested and charged Thursday in connection with the slaying of his 46-year-old stepfather, Christopher Ernst Sr., "who was found dead in a garage room of a home" on Garvey Drive, according to a statement from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
At around 8 p.m. Wednesday, police had vehicles and cones blocking off Garvey Drive.
Authorities allege Torres "struck his father in the head with an unidentified weapon," and added that the Middlesex County Medical Examiner's Office, following an autopsy, "described the injuries as chopping wounds to the head," the statement said.
Police received a call Wednesday from a person concerned that Torres had failed to show up for work. The investigation, authorities said, led them to first find the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Police then went searching for Torres.
Police eventually found him in a wooded area several miles from his home. He was additionally charged, officials said, with obstruction and resisting arrest for fleeing.
Torres is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center in North Brunswick. Officials did not specify if bail has been set.
The case is being investigated by Det. Joseph Silvestri, of the Monroe Township Police Department, and Det. Craig Marchak, of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
Anyone with information can contact Silvestri 732-520-0222 ext. 151, or Marchak 732-745-3254.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.