Chilling update in case of Jalia Marrero, 18, who ‘witnessed dad’s murder’ as body is found in shallow grave behind mall

A TEENAGE girl who allegedly witnessed her father’s murder was recently found dead in a shallow grave behind a mall.

In early June, 18-year-old Jalia Marrero was found dead in a wooded area of North Buffalo, New York, according to police.

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Jalia Marrero, pictured, has been found dead in a shallow grave after she witnessed her father’s murder[/caption]

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Luis Marrero, left, was the father of Jalia Marrero, right, who was fatally shot[/caption]

Authorities said that she had been dead for some time before they found her body.

Jalia was reported missing on May 21 and found on June 6.

Her family is now speaking out saying that the last time they saw her was around May 9 or 10.

The teen allegedly went missing after she witnessed her father’s death.

Jalia’s father, Luis Marrero, 39, was shot dead in an apartment on May 4, reported by police.

According to the family, Jalia gave a statement to the authorities after the incident.

Luis’ cousin told The Buffalo News: “That’s when we started to get worried.”

The family had arranged for Jalia to come to her father’s funeral on May 12, but she never showed up, The Buffalo News reported.

Police said the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office has not determined the cause of Jalia’s death as of yet, but Luis’ death was ruled a homicide, according to the news outlet.

Jalia’s family said that she did not use drugs, aside from occasional marijuana usage.

However, she had allegedly been a victim of domestic violence, according to the family.

Norma Coppola, Jalia’s cousin, told ABC Buffalo about the abusive relationship: “He used to track her on her phone and cuss her out until she got into the house.

She continued, “Once she got to the house…that’s where he would meet her and beat her. That’s how her relationship was.”

Police have not confirmed this, no arrests have been made and no motives have been discovered so far.

Jalia was weeks away from graduating high school before her death.

Pastor Tim Newkirk who is working with members of Marrero’s family told The Buffalo News, “What happened? We’re here and we want to know. And the world should want to know, also.”

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After Luis was shot, Jalia went missing until police found her dead a few weeks later[/caption]