❓WHAT HAPPENED: An Ecuadorian migrant accused of fatally hitting a pedestrian in a New Jersey hit-and-run is believed to have entered the U.S. illegally twice.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Wilson “Adrian” Morocho-Necta, 33, is the suspect; the victim has been identified as 68-year-old Justo Pilco-Tenesaca of Morristown, New Jersey.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred near Sussex Avenue in Morristown, New Jersey, around 7 AM last Friday.
💬KEY QUOTE: “We are calling on the public to report any sightings of Wilson Adrian Morocho-Necta. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of this illegal alien, they should immediately contact ICE at 866-DHS-2-ICE.” – Acting Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Lauren Bis.
🎯IMPACT: The suspect remains at large, and law enforcement is urging public cooperation while navigating New Jersey’s restrictions on ICE collaboration.
Wilson “Adrian” Morocho-Necta, a 33-year-old Ecuadorian migrant, has been identified as the main suspect in a fatal hit-and-run that killed 68-year-old Justo Pilco-Tenesaca in Morristown, New Jersey. Authorities say the incident took place early Friday morning, when a work truck struck the victim. According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Morocho-Necta fled the scene on foot.
Federal officials say Morocho-Necta had previously entered the United States illegally twice, including once after being deported in 2019. He is now being sought by local police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive restricts local law enforcement from fully cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis urged the public to help locate him, stating, “This illegal alien is the lead suspect in a hit and run that killed Justo Pilco-Tenesaca and remains at large. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of this illegal alien, they should immediately contact ICE at 866-DHS-2-ICE.”
Morocho-Necta was last seen wearing a white hoodie and jeans and is believed to be in the Morristown area. The truck involved belonged to MC Home Improvements & Construction, whose owner, Eric Couper, said he was “friggin’ mortified” by the incident.
The suspect faces charges of second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim. Prosecutors said the case will proceed in line with state and federal laws.
The case has renewed debate over crimes involving migrants who have avoided immigration enforcement. In a separate case this year, an Ecuadorian national reportedly took refuge in a consulate to avoid deportation. In another incident, a migrant charged with child molestation was released in a sanctuary jurisdiction despite an immigration detainer.
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