David Gard/New Jersey Local News Service

Investigators say two victims who were dismembered, tossed into trash bags, and left on a New Jersey street have been identified as Lazaro Calero, 49,  and Maria Torres. 48.

According to a press release from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, “The dismembered bodies were discovered around 9:49 a.m. Monday by a Linden sanitation worker and a member of the Linden Police Department. They were called to the corner of Cranford Ave and Essex Avenue by a neighbor reporting illegally dumped trash. When the sanitation worker opened a bag, a severed body part was clearly visible, said Romankow.”

Maria and Lazaro’s last known address was 4th Street in Union City, New Jersey.  Their families were notified late Wednesday night.

As soon as I heard about this case, I immediately thought of a missing couple from New Jersey that vanished five years ago.  Although this case doesn’t have any ties to the couple, I still wonder where they could be.  Investigators said in 2008 it appeared the case may have been a “murder for hire,” but they haven’t had any additional information since. Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone were having drinks and heading back to Mt. Laurel in Richard’s truck. They vanished without a trace. You can learn more about the case at the family’s website.