A 48-year-old New Jersey woman is accused of killing her wife with a wine chiller. 

According to the New York Post, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus allegedly killed 32-year-old Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus in the couple's apartment on Sunday.  

Police arrived at the apartment after getting a call about an unresponsive woman. Investigators said the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on the following day and concluded that her death was a homicide. The investigation also revealed that the couple lived in the same apartment in Brick Township.

Bryan Huntenburg, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, said police believe the two women were married.

"It is our understanding," he said.

Authorities said "the investigation further revealed that a cylindrical container used for the purpose of chilling wine was utilized in the commission of the murder." 

"The injuries sustained by Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus were consistent with the implementation of this item," investigators said in a statement. "Further investigation ultimately determined that Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus did, in fact, cause the victim’s death."  

According to the Asbury Park Press, Mayra was arrested in Houston on Wednesday after she had gone missing. Prosecutors said she fled from Brick, traveling from New York City to Houston by bus.

"We will immediately begin extradition proceedings to bring Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus back to Ocean County to answer for these charges," Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. "Justice for Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus weighs heavy on all of our minds.”

Billhimer and Brick Police Chief James Riccio said the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as the United States Marshals Service, were involved in the investigation, in addition to several other departments.

“Great teamwork by all of the respective law enforcement agencies and officers involved in this investigation," Billhimer stated.

In a Mother's Day Facebook post, Mayra raved about her partner.

"Mi amor gracias for all the uncountable ways you make this little crazy family … and my entire life better with every moment," she wrote. "Truly blessed that you are my wife."


The 48-year-old woman is charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.