Suspect arrested in Montclair murder case

An Orange man has been charged with murder in the death of a Montclair woman, authorities said.

Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, 20, was arrested Tuesday night, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office announced during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

Wheeler-Weaver is charged with one count of murder and one count of desecration of human remains in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Butler, authorities said.

Butler's body was found in Eagle Rock Reservation Dec. 1 after she was reported missing on Nov. 23. Authorities ruled the death a homicide on Friday.

An autopsy determined that the cause of Butler's death was "a result of compressions to the neck," according to the Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities said Butler and Wheeler-Weaver were "acquainted." Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray said the two had met at several locations on Nov. 22, the night she was last seen alive. Her car was discovered Nov. 25 in Orange.

Murray said it appears that Butler was killed before her body was placed at the reservation in West Orange. Her body was found covered with a "significant quantity of leaves and other debris" she said.

Murray did not discuss any possible motives in the case, and no other arrests were immediately expected.

Wheeler-Weaver is being held in the Essex County Correctional Facility, and bail has been set at $1 million.

Butler was a freshman majoring in media arts at New Jersey City University. She was home for the Thanksgiving holiday when she went missing.

Authorities commended the "around the clock" work of detectives and local law enforcement officers, noting they were pursing several leads. Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti called it a joint effort between the Prosecutor's Office and the Montclair Police Department to make the arrest.

The suspect was arrested at his residence without incident, authorities said.

"[Butler's] family is eternally grateful, I know, having spoken with them. I hope and pray the result will give them some comfort," said Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson.

Following the news conference, Jackson called Butler's family strong, and said they were "people of faith." He noted that family members  from Jamaica were coming to be with them.

The mayor lauded efforts of the Prosecutor's Office, police and Sheriff's office. "This was a top priority for law enforcement," noted Jackson.

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said Eagle Rock Reservation where Butler's remains were found "was one of the most pristine sanctuaries we have."

"It's a safe, safe neighborhood," said Fontoura. "This is just an unfortunate situation where a young woman had to lose a life, and she had to be taken to a place so sacred."

The investigation is ongoing, authorities said.

A GoFundMe page has been started to help raise money for funeral expenses.

"We have lost a beloved member of our family and there are NO WORDS for the pain and sorrow that we feel. Sarah was a happy, caring and kind young lady who was ADORED by her family and friends," the GoFundMe page states. "A freshman in college, Sarah loved to dance and was a lifeguard for the YMCA. Sarah shined a light on this world that we will NEVER be able to replicate or replace."