106 human bones found across New Jersey properties lead to 12-year prison sentence

106 human bones found across New Jersey properties lead to 12-year prison sentence

WOODBURY, N.J. (TNND) — A 69-year-old man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after investigators found 106 human bones scattered across several properties in southern New Jersey, according to prosecutors.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday said Michael A. Zappley, of Westville, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in connection with the death of Miguel Martinez III.

Zappley was sentenced Friday and must serve 85% of the term before becoming eligible for parole, said prosecutors.

Authorities previously said Martinez was reported missing on June 15, 2016. Detectives checked hospitals, phone and social media records, as well as interviewed people for months, but were unable to find him.

That changed in January 2020, when a witness provided information about Martinez's death and the disposal of his body, per prosecutors. Search warrants executed at multiple properties along Fox Run Road in Deptford uncovered the bones, all of which were linked to Martinez through DNA testing, prosecutors said.

In a recorded statement, Zappley admitted he fought with Martinez, adding that "he grabbe...