On Sunday, police announced the arrest of 27-year old Pedro Martin of Staten Island on murder charges. Even though Megan Marotte's missing person's flyer hung right outside of Martin's apartment, the 27-year-old allegedly knew exactly what happened to the pregnant 20-year-old.
On Sunday, detectives were inside Martin's home, where late Saturday night he was arrested, police say for killing Marotte.
According to police sources, Marotte agreed to have sex with Martin for pay. They couldn't get into a local hotel, so they went to Willowbrook Park. Sources say when Marotte asked for more money, Martin allegedly choked her to death.
Avi Shay owns the shop below Martin's apartment. He tells Eyewitness News that Martin has a roommate.
"Sometimes you could hear fighting or arguing like any other couple, but nothing crazy to say this guy could do something like that," says Shay.
Relatives say Marotte had struggled with drugs and was living with her brother ever since her father's death in 2011, and that they were concerned about her safety.
Marotte was last seen August 4th, just up the street from Martin's apartment.
Marotte used to play with Virginia DiBella's granddaughter when the kids were little. She says that is not the person she remembers.
"Around Halloween, we used to fill up bags with leaves, and she was here playing," DiBella said, "always mannerly, always wonderful, always gave you the time of day and respect."
Marotte's cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner's office.
The park remains shut down while a forensic team conducts the investigation.
