Murder Victim Recently Lost Job, Lived in Salisbury

Jennifer Velez-Negron was living with a friend in Salisbury Township shortly before her burning body was found two days after Christmas on a wooded residential road in the township, according to WFMZ.

Velez-Negron, 26, formerly of Reading, had recently lost her job and was stressed about providing for her three children, her younger sister Yesenia Velez told WFMZ.

Salisbury police discovered Velez-Negron's body after a passing motorist reported a small fire on the side of Chestnut Hill Road the morning of Dec. 27. An autopsy revealed Velez-Negron died from suffocation and was set on fire.

Her body was burned beyond recognition, prompting investigators to seek the public's help identifying her. They issued a description, including the detail that 

As tips came in, investigators contacted possible family members and obtained DNA samples. The Lehigh County Coroner's office confirmed Velez-Negron's identity Jan. 10 by matching the DNA samples.

Police are continuing their investigation into who killed Velez-Negron and ask that anyone who may have informtion to please contact Salisbury police at 610-797-1447 or the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force at 610-437-5252.