NEW ROCHELLE, NY (February 7, 2025) — New Rochelle Police have made arrests following the discovery of a deceased juvenile at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Charles Street on February 6, 2025. On February 7, 2025, around noon, detectives announced the apprehension of two individuals linked to the case.
Hugo Perez-Gabriel, 32, of New Rochelle, faces charges of Concealment of a Human Corpse, a Class E Felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor. Additionally, a 16-year-old juvenile, whose name has not been released due to their age, was charged with Concealment of a Human Corpse and Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree, the latter being a Class D Felony.
The charges are not bail eligible.
The district attorney asked Judge McCarthy to order Perez-Gabriel to surrender his travel documents. The public defender objected seeing that would be a bail condition in this crime is not bail eligible. The judge agreed and did not order him to surrender his travel documents.
The juvenile suspect is the adult suspects nephew. The uncle of the boy who died told reporters, he’s known the adult suspect for some time, and once considered him a friend, but does not know how to feel about him given what has happened.
According to the New Rochelle Police Department, the two suspects allegedly removed the body of 15-year-old Jonson Temaj from a nearby residence and left it on the sidewalk. When discovered, Temaj was found without a shirt or shoes.
The cause of Temaj’s death is still under investigation, with toxicology reports pending to shed light on the circumstances of his demise.
Authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward, either by contacting the New Rochelle Police Department’s non-emergency line at (914) 654-2300 or anonymously at 914-632-COPS.
RELATED: 15-Year Old NRHS Student Found Dead in New Rochelle Streets
On February 6, 2025, New Rochelle Police responded to a report of an unresponsive individual at 120 Washington Avenue. The person, later identified as 15-year-old Jonson Temaj from New Rochelle, was found at the intersection of Charles Street and Washington Avenue. Despite medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The police have launched an investigation, identifying several persons of interest. They are seeking public assistance for more information. The cause of death is still under examination by the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The New Rochelle Schools Superintendent issued a statement mourning the loss of Temaj who graduated from Albert Leonard Middle School in June 2024 and began his freshman year at New Rochelle High School in September. Dr. Corey Reynolds announced support services for the community to cope with the grief.
The investigation remains active.