Long Branch double murder suspect indicted, faces trial

The suspect in the murder of a couple whose lifeless remains were found in a Long Branch apartment in early 2013 might end up in prison for life if convicted of the killings.

Carlos I. Menjivar, 23, is charged with two first-degree murder counts and two lesser weapons-possession counts, according to information from the office of acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Grammiccioni.

Menjivar is in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold. His bail is set at $2 million, with no option for release on payment of 10 percent.

The bodies of Maria Catejo-Munoz, 35, and Fredis O. Ventura, 33, were found inside Ventura's Sairs Avenue apartment on March 25, 2013, a day after Catejo-Munoz was reported missing and a search was launched.

Authorities offered no speculation about motive, saying only that Catejo-Munoz and Ventura were romantically involved.

Investigators are still canvassing for information about the case. They urge anyone who is familiar with the incident to reach the Monmouth Major Crimes Bureau, 1-800-533-7443.