John Jacobs faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, arson, hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice, in connection to the death of Sahlena Blackwell-Jacobs.
Chief Detective Thomas Gilbert of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office said the couple had two children together and the family reported Sahlena missing, fearing the worst.
Gilbert attributed the resolution to a multi-agency effort and help from the public which lead to a gruesome discovery Thursday afternoon. "A lot of agencies worked together to make an expedient attempt to locate her," he said. "It turned out after following up on various leads that led to the discovery of the vehicle in Monroe Township."
That vehicle was an abandoned black 2002 Chevy Trailblazer with Sahlena's burned body inside.
Thanks to evidence from the vehicle and assistance from the public, Gilbert explained, "We were able to identify a suspect who we were subsquently able to develop charges against, and we pursued that individual across South Jersey and we were able to apprehend him."
For Gilbert, the investigation took on a personal note for him and his team. "The young woman was the age of one of my daughters," he said, "and I think all of us in law enforcement took this personally and felt we had an obligation to the public and the family."