Woman found dead in Newton County woods identified, 2 suspects arrested, deputies say
Newton County, GA – A woman whose body was discovered in a densely wooded area here on Wednesday has been identified, leading to the arrest of two suspects on murder charges, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office announced.
The victim was identified as 46-year-old Irma Valdez. Her body was found in a heavily wooded area off Stephenson Road in Covington.
Following an investigation by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division, deputies arrested Jose Sermeno, 31, and Katerin Abrego, 27, both of Covington, on Wednesday. Investigators have confirmed that the suspects were acquainted with Valdez.
Both Sermeno and Abrego face charges of malice murder, making false statements, and concealing the death of another. Sermeno has also been charged with two counts of second-degree cruelty to children. Abrego faces additional charges of tampering with evidence and willful obstruction of law enforcement officers.
The investigation began after Valdez was reported missing in Conyers on Monday, with a subsequent report filed in Newton County on Tuesday. The search culminated on Wednesday when deputies were dispatched to the Stephenson Road area, where they discovered Valdez’s remains.
“The Newton County Sheriff’s Office offers its thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and loved ones of Irma Valdez,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown in a statement.
A neighbor, Elaine Payne, who witnessed deputies making an arrest, described Valdez as a friendly person. “Every time you’d see her, she had a big smile on her face,” Payne told FOX 5 Atlanta. “It hurts; it breaks my heart in pieces. And I’ll never get to see her no more.”
While the suspects are in custody, the motive behind the murder remains under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details regarding the circumstances of Valdez’s death or the nature of the relationship between her and the suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
