Two indicted for the murder of Tyrita Julius

Monmouth County Superior Court has formally indicted Andre Harris and Jennifer Sweeney for the murder of Tyrita Julius.

What happened to Tyrita Julius?

Julius survived a shooting in Linden, N.J., in November 2015—an alleged first attempt on her life. But prosecutors say the second attempt proved fatal. Julius went missing in March 2016. Months later, her body was discovered buried in the backyard of a Long Branch, N.J. home.

Authorities say the killers strangled her before burying her body.

Andre Harris and Jennifer Sweeney indicted for the murder of Tyrita Julius

Court records show prosecutors charged Harris and Sweeney with both attempting to kill Julius and later murdering her. In connection with the Linden shooting, a grand jury indicted them on two counts of first-degree attempted murder, one count of first-degree conspiracy, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a count of possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose.

Charges

Prosecutors indicted Harris and Sweeney in connection with Julius’ strangling death on one count of first-degree murder, one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree disturbing or desecrating human remains, and one count of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence. The weapon charge in the second half of the indictment refers to an electrical extension cord, which they allegedly used unlawfully against Julius.

Sweeney said she dropped off Julius at the Long Branch, N.J. train station, the last time anyone saw her.

But Monmouth and Union County prosecutors said that not only had Sweeney lied about that, she and Harris had killed Julius and disposed of her body.