A federal task force in Queens observed several males place a large object in the trunk of a sedan just before 2 a.m. Tuesday.
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The agents followed the car onto the Nassau Expressway and pulled it over just east of JFK Airport. They immediately noticed a strong smell coming from the trunk.
That's where they discovered the body of 31-year-old Nasarth Claure, wrapped in a blanket. She had apparently suffered several stab wounds, believed to be caused by a machete.
Authorities say 22-year-old Allan Lopez, aka Sergio, is charged with murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Rigeo Yohairo, 20, and 21-year-old Jose Sarmiento are charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon, while 26-year-old Rodolfo Lopez is charged with concealment of a human corpse and tampering with physical evidence.
The fifth person, the woman's boyfriend, was charged with previously attacking her - but not in her death.
Anander Henriquez, 28, is charged with strangulation assault in connection with an attack earlier this month.
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Police say the victim had previously gotten an order of protection against Henriquez last November.
At least two of the suspects, including Henriquez, are reputed MS-13 gang member, but the killing is likely linked to a domestic dispute he had with the victim.
He also had a prior arrest for punching and hitting Claure with a metal rod behind a Chase bank in Far Rockaway, Queens, on January 17.
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The four men were already being investigated for their alleged MS-13 affiliations, but the killing does not appear specifically gang related.
The investigation is continuing, and more arrests are possible.
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