Moca authorities find body of missing man Albert Aracena

Authorities in Moca, Espaillat, have recovered the body of Albert de Jesús Aracena Núñez, who had been missing since August 4. His remains were found in an advanced state of decomposition, buried in a hole and covered with lime in a wooded area of the La Chancleta community.

The investigation has led to the temporary closure and the arrest of the owner of the New York Grill (also referred to as New York Green Gallery), a recreational center where Aracena was last seen. The owner and three other individuals, including a Haitian national, are under investigation.

Preliminary reports suggest the owners claimed the young man drowned in a pool and they buried him to avoid the business being closed. Investigators also recovered dismantled parts of the victim's motorcycle, which may have been discarded to hide evidence. The Public Ministry and DICRIM are continuing the forensic and criminal investigation to determine the exact cause of death and establish full responsibility.