Fatal Shooting in Hoboken: Lodi Man Charged with Murder

A tragic incident unfolded on February 1 along the Hoboken waterfront near Castle Point Skate Park, leading to the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Julio Flores. Erick Fernandez, a 26-year-old man from Lodi, has been charged with the murder of Flores, whose body was later disposed of in the Hudson River.

Incident Details

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office reports that Fernandez allegedly shot and killed Flores during an altercation at the skate park. After the shooting, Fernandez took Flores' vehicle and personal belongings before fleeing the scene. He later returned to dispose of the victim's body in the Hudson River. The investigation was launched after multiple tips were received regarding a possible shooting at the restricted waterfront area. The Lodi Police Department alerted Hoboken officials, and a four-day investigation confirmed Fernandez's involvement in both the murder and the disposal of Flores' remains.

Charges Against Erick Fernandez

Fernandez faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, felony murder, desecration of human remains, and weapons offenses related to the firearm used in the shooting. He was already in custody at the Garfield Police Department for unrelated charges when Hudson County authorities issued his arrest warrant on February 5. As of now, Flores' remains have not been recovered, despite ongoing searches in the Hudson River by law enforcement agencies across New Jersey and New York City.

Investigation Ongoing

The investigation involves several law enforcement agencies, including Hoboken, Garfield, Hawthorne, and New York City police, as well as resources from the Stevens Institute of Technology. Fernandez remains in custody at the Hudson County Jail, awaiting his first court appearance.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact authorities or submit anonymous tips online through the designated channels provided by local prosecutors.