News 12 Staff

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Feb 4, 2024, 6:41 PM

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Updated

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The man accused of murdering a Jersey City woman is set to appear in court on Monday, nearly a year after her body was found in a shallow grave.

The body of 33-year-old Luz Hernandez, a kindergarten teacher, was found in Kearny on Feb. 7, 2023.

The father of her children, 37-year-old Cesar Santana, is one of two people charged in her death.

Hernandez's death was investigated as an act of domestic violence. An autopsy revealed Hernandez had been strangled and suffered blunt force head trauma.

Santana was arrested a three days later. He is accused of killing Hernandez and burying her body in a shallow grave.

In May, Santana was charged with first-degree murder in connection to her death. He pleaded not guilty.

Leiner Miranda Lopez, was also charged. The 26-year-old who remains at large was charged with desecrating and concealing human remains.

Santana's court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Hudson County Courthouse.

PREVIOUS RELATED COVERAGE ON LUZ HERNANDEZ:

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