Deadly Hillsborough fire ruled homicide; Co-worker arrested
HILLSBOROUGH (WABC) -- One person is under arrest and facing charges after a fatal fire in New Jersey was ruled a homicide.
The fire, which broke out on Bloomingdale Drive in Hillsborough just before 8:30 a.m. last Tuesday, was originally thought responsible for the death of 30-year-old Sviatlana Dranko, whose body was found inside the home.
However, the investigation revealed that the fire started in two separate locations, and thus it was deemed suspicious. Further investigation revealed that Dranko was dead before the fire began.
Authorities announced on Friday that 29-year-old Juan Jimenez-Olivera, of Hillsborough, was taken into custody and arrested late Thursday. The suspect is an acquaintance and co-worker of the victim, but detectives are not releasing a motive for the homicide.
Jimenez-Olivera is charged with first-degree homicide and second-degree aggravated arson. Bail was set at $1 million cash.
Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation to contact the Hillsborough Township Police Department at (908) 369-4323, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at 888577tips.org. All tips will be kept confidential.
