Two charged in killing of missing Linden woman Tyrita Julius, authorities say

LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Authorities arrested and charged two people in the death of Tyrita R. Julius, a 41‑year‑old Linden woman who had been missing since March, according to Monmouth County authorities.

Two Charged in Connection With Julius’ Death

Investigators took Jennifer Sweeney, 33, of Tinton Falls, and Andre Harris, 32, of Long Branch, into custody Tuesday and charged them with the following offenses:

• Murder
• Desecration of human remains
• Tampering with physical evidence

Investigators arrested both suspects after they executed a search warrant at Harris’ home on Joline Avenue in Long Branch.

Police Activity at Long Branch Home

On Tuesday night, yellow police tape surrounded the front yard of the Joline Avenue property as detectives worked at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing an investigator emerge from the backyard wearing a soiled white hazmat suit while floodlights illuminated the area.

House on Joline Avenue in Long Branch, N.J. (Copyright: Unheard Voices Magazine)

Authorities declined to disclose what they recovered from the home but said the evidence they found directly led to the arrests.

Timeline: Julius’ Disappearance and Earlier Shooting

Julius was last seen on March 8, when a friend told police she dropped her off at the Long Branch train station so she could return home to Linden.

At the time of her disappearance, Julius was recovering from a 2015 shooting in Linden. A gunman struck her multiple times in the torso and pelvic area as she got into her car with her 15‑year‑old daughter. The teen suffered graze wounds, and the gunman fled the scene. No arrests were made in that earlier attack.

Investigation Continues

Judges set the defendants’ bail at $1.5 million cash only, according to the Asbury Park Press. The medical examiner will determine Julius’ exact cause of death.

Authorities say they are continuing the investigation and will release additional details as they become available.