2018 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2018

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Information Bureau (609) 882-2000
Major Brian Polite - ext. 6514
Lt. Theodore Schafer - ext. 6515
SFC Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
Sgt. Lawrence Peele - ext. 6531
Tpr. Alejandro Goez - ext. 6527


Charges Upgraded for Man Arrested in Tonya Cook Homicide Investigation

Lawrence Township, Cumberland County, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police and Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office have announced that charges have been upgraded to murder for Dennis Parrish, 52, of Vineland, N.J. in connection with the homicide investigation of Tonya Cook, 32, of Vineland, N.J., whose remains were discovered on Monday, July 2, in Lawrence Township, Cumberland County.

The New Jersey State Police and Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office cooperative investigation led detectives to identify Parrish as a suspect.

On Thursday, July 12, the New Jersey State Police Fugitive unit along with detectives from the State Police Homicide South Unit and Troop “A” Criminal Investigations Office, located and arrested Parrish at a hotel in Absecon, N.J. Parrish was initially charged with desecration of human remains and moving human remains.

On July 21, Dennis Parrish was charged with murder, hindering apprehension, obstruction, and tampering with evidence. Parrish remains lodged at Cumberland County Jail pending a trial.

This case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Port Norris Station at 856-785-0036 or the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office at 856-453-0486 x11837. Anonymous tips are welcome.

Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

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