The body of Diggins was pulled from the Passaic River the day after Thanksgiving in 2012. She died from strangulation, She also sustained stab or puncture wounds and blunt force trauma.

In addition to being indicted for Diggins’ murder, Melillo was also indicted for allegedly making sexual contact with the victim’s remains. Diggins and Melillo knew each other.

Melillo was arrested on Nov. 26, 2012. Bail was set at $1 million. He is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

These are accusations. All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty in a court of law.

On Nov. 23, Newark Police located a female in the Passaic River in the area of 996 Route 21. Following an autopsy, it was determined Diggins had injuries that resulted in her death being ruled a homicide. The cause of death was a stab wound to the neck and blunt force trauma to the head.

Detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force arrested Melillo and charged him with murder. Both the victim and the suspect were living in Newark but were homeless at the time.

Bail was set at $1 million by the Honorable Sebastian Lombardi, J.S.C.

Melillo’s first court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. tomorrow before the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C.

These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty in a court of law.

No other information is available at this time.