Ex-boyfriend arrested after Bronx woman found dead in suitcase

In the United States, authorities discovered the body of a 26-year-old Bronx woman named Pamela Alcantara on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in a suitcase near Saw Mill River Creek. Pamela was reported missing after failing to attend church services the previous Sunday, a routine she typically adhered to. Surveillance footage captured her entering her Bronx apartment building's elevator, but there was no evidence of her leaving afterward. Following her disappearance, police considered a person of interest, later identified as her ex-boyfriend Junior Perez Diaz, who had been previously seen carrying a red suitcase. Investigations revealed a troubling relationship between Alcantara and Perez Diaz. The couple had been together for three years, but Alcantara recently decided to end the relationship and was in the process of moving out of the apartment they shared. Her family, including her aunt and cousin, stated that Alcantara had confided in them about the emotional and psychological manipulation she endured from her ex-boyfriend. They mentioned worrying signs that included Perez Diaz threatening to harm himself if Alcantara tried to leave him, indicating a potentially dangerous situation. Alcantara's last known communication with her family was a phone call the previous Thursday, in which she urged her mother to pray for her, stating her intention to see her at church that upcoming Sunday. However, she never showed, prompting concern from her loved ones and facilitating a missing person's report. With the help of surveillance footage and vehicle tracking, police were able to connect Perez Diaz to the crime when he was spotted with the suitcase and had his vehicle identified nearby. Prior to her tragic fate, Alcantara was known as a caring individual who actively supported her community and did outreach work, particularly assisting battered women. Her family held a vigil following the announcement of her body being found, showcasing their deep sadness and outpouring of support from the community. The investigation is ongoing, but with the arrest of Junior Perez Diaz, the case has taken significant progress. The authorities continue to seek answers as they determine the exact cause of Alcantara's death while her family mourns the loss of a deeply loved member.