As family and friends of Tonya Cook gathered in a Cumberland County farm field on Thursday night to hold a candlelight vigil in her memory, a representative for the family announced that police had made an arrest in the woman's murder.
Cook's remains were found in that field, at Lummistown and Banks roads in Cedarville, on July 2 by a passerby.
Tonya M. Cook (Provided photo)
Police would not confirm the arrest Thursday night.
"Amen," the crowd responded as family spokeswoman Debbie Gruber told the assembled crowd that they had just learned of an arrest from investigators. Gruber said she had no other details.
"The Cook family and the world lost a beautiful soul with the death of Tonya Marie Cook," Gruber said, as Cook's mother, Faye, stood by her side. "As a mother, Faye has felt the kind of pain that no mother should ever have to feel."
The 32-year-old's body had been burned and dismembered. Authorities haven't said how she was killed, when she died or if she died at the location where her body was found.
Cook is known to have ties around Cumberland County, police said, but haven't disclosed where she was last seen.
Around a hundred people gathered on the edge of the field near the location where Cook's body was found. Flowers, candles and a large photograph of the victim marked the spot. The collection of candles grew as the sun set.
Many attendees wore shirts and carried signs with the words "Justice for Tonya."
The Rev. James Dunkins, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Vineland, led the group in prayer as family members and friends lit candles, hugged and shared memories.
"I ask, Lord, that as Faye and family members cry, you dry every tear. Let them know there's nothing wrong with crying. Crying is cleansing," Dunkins said. "Let them know, Lord, that when anger comes in their heart because they're mad at what happened, let them know that they can cast all their care on you."
"As we leave this place in love, let there be joy and celebration as we remember a special heart that has passed on."
As the vigil concluded, Cook's brother, Timothy, recalled his sister as a beautiful, compassionate woman.
"She loved everybody and for this to happen to her wasn't right," he said. "It was senseless and I'm just glad we're getting justice for my sister. What happened to her shouldn't have happened."
Anyone with information about Cook's death maycontact the New Jersey State Police Port Norris Station at 856-785-0036. Tips may also be submitted to the prosecutor's office by using the CCPOTIP app, by going to the agency's Facebook page or website, or by texting to 847411 with CCPOTIP and your message.
Cook's family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her funeral expenses.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips.