Man accused of killing girlfriend on Hawley Avenue during her 21st birthday appears in court

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — A 21-year-old man is being charged with murder in the second degree and concealment of a human corpse, for the death of a woman who was found in Lincoln Park in Syracuse.

The suspect, Jhon Moises Chacaguasay-Ilbis, is accused of strangling the 21-year-old woman to death on her birthday. Joselyn Toaquiza’s body was found on Saturday, June 22.

Chacaguasay-Ilbis was arraigned in Syracuse City Court Thursday morning. Through a Spanish interpreter, the suspect said he didn’t remember anything because he was under the influence of alcohol.

The judge did not allow cameras in the courtroom, and the arraignment lasted about five minutes.

According to the felony complaint, the suspect allegedly strangled the victim to death and then hid her body in a wooded area within heavy brush.

Chacaguasay-Ilbis is pleading not​ guilty to these charges.

On Wednesday, the community came together to honor Toaquiza – just steps from where her body was found. The 21-year-old is being remembered as a fun-loving and warm woman.

“She was very sweet, very kind, she greeted everybody with a smile,” Christopher Renna, Toaquiza’s coworker, said.

According to the Onondaga County District Attorney, Toaquiza was in a relationship with Chacaguasay-Ilbis.

Surveillance video shows Toaquiza walking into an Airbnb with Chacaguasay-Ilbis – and later her being carried out – which did not even catch the attention of police driving by.

Chacaguasay-Ilbis is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center without bail. His next court date will be July 2.

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