By The Staff
Federal authorities are sounding the alarm after a previously deported illegal immigrant allegedly killed a New Jersey man in a violent hit-and-run — and then disappeared.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says Wilson Adrian Morocho-Necta, an Ecuadorian national unlawfully present in the country, is the prime suspect in a March 20 incident in Morristown that left a 68-year-old pedestrian dead.
According to officials, the victim — Justo Pilco-Tenesaca — was struck and left pinned beneath a vehicle. Authorities allege Morocho-Necta fled the scene on foot, leaving the victim to die.
Even more troubling, authorities say this suspect had already been deported once before.
DHS reports Morocho-Necta first entered the United States illegally in 2019 via the southern border. After being apprehended and ordered removed by an immigration judge, he was deported to Mexico. At some point afterward, he re-entered the country illegally at an unknown time and location.
Now, he is accused of taking a life in New Jersey.
Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis warned that Morocho-Necta remains at large and is considered a fugitive. Federal officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information immediately.
Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is encouraged to contact ICE at 866-DHS-2-ICE.
The case is already raising serious questions across the Garden State about border enforcement, repeat illegal entry, and how a previously removed individual was able to return and remain undetected. The search is unfolding at the same time that Governor Sherrill has signed three bills cementing the state’s sanctuary policies in statute.
For now, a family is mourning — and the search continues.
