No bail for man accused of murdering 11-year-old Keansburg girl

Josh Einiger Image
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
No bail for man accused of murdering 11-year-old Keansburg girl
Anthony Johnson has the latest details on the Keansburg murder suspect's court appearance.

KEANSBURG, New Jersey (WABC) -- An 18-year-old neighbor charged in the slaying of an 11-year-old New Jersey girl who had been reported missing will remain in jail until his trial.

A judge issued the ruling Wednesday during a bail hearing for Andreas Erazo. He faces murder charges and two weapons counts in the death of AbbieGail Smith.

The girl's body was found July 13 wrapped in a comforter near the apartment building where they both lived in Keansburg.

Monmouth County prosecutors said Wednesday that Erazo, who lived in an upstairs apartment, has admitted stabbing the girl and binding her with a computer cord. They say he then wrapped her body in the comforter and hid it on a nearby roof.

Family and friends gathered Monday to bid a final farewell to AbbieGail. Her mother was surrounded by family members as they walked into St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, and many of AbbieGail's classmates also attended the services.

AbbieGail was remembered as an angel, and the sobbing was audible in the church.

She had moved with her family to the United States from her native Jamaica in 2007 and lived in Highlands before moving to Keansburg two years ago.

Her father and sister were not able to attend the funeral after being denied visas by the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica.

AbbieGail's father was deported from the U.S. on a drug charge 16 years ago.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)