May 5, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Jefferson Township Chief of Police John Palko, Jr. announce the arrest of Demetrius M. Diaz-Bridges who has been charged with Murder and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in connection with the murder of Elizabeth O'Brien.

On January 30, 2008 at approximately 5:27 pm, a call was received by the Jefferson Township Police Department requesting assistance at a Nolan's Point Road residence in Jefferson. Upon the arrival of the Jefferson Township Police Department, they found Elizabeth O'Brien, age 49, deceased within her residence.

On January 31, 2008 Morris County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Carlos Fonseca conducted an autopsy and determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

The investigation revealed that at the time of the murder, Demetrius M. Diaz-Bridges, DOB 12/31/88, lived at 150 Nolan's Point Road. He was a neighbor of Elizabeth O'Brien and a friend of one of her two sons.

It was also determined that Mr. Bridges stayed at Mrs. O'Brien's residence at 120 Nolan's Point Road on the night of January 29-30, 2008.

On May 2, 2008 Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson Township Police Department located Mr. Bridges in Raleigh, N.C.

On May 2, 2008 Judge John Triarsi J.S.C. (Union County) authorized the warrant charging Mr. Bridges with Murder, a crime of the 1st degree and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the 3rd degree.

Mr. Bridges is being held in the Wake County Jail where he will be held pending extradition proceedings.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated:

"This case has been our number one investigative priority each and every day since January 30, 2008. Not one day has passed without this case being pursued very aggressively by both the legal and investigative staff of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office and the Jefferson Township Police Department. The task force which was formed specifically for this investigation worked 7 days a week. Members of this task force worked throughout Morris County and eventually into the state of North Carolina, where we apprehended and arrested the defendant for Murder.

The manner in which this investigation was pursued was deliberate, far-reaching and thorough.

We established a room used solely for this case. We were committed to finding the killer of Elizabeth O'Brien and that meant leaving no stone unturned. That meant not rushing to judgment and pursuing every angle methodically.

This methodical process involved numerous interviews, re-interviews, collection and submission of numerous pieces of evidence and a regular review of every investigative issue on a daily basis.

I personally oversaw this investigation with my top staff. The 1st Assistant Prosecutor , Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor, Executive Assistant Prosecutor, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor for Major Crimes, Deputy Chief of Investigations, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and a solid team of Prosecutor Detectives, Support Staff, Municipal Command and Investigative Staff from the Jefferson Township Police Department as well as members of the Morris County Sheriff's Office investigated and conferred on a daily basis.

From the moment we arrived at the scene on the night of this tragic incident to this day, we did not, we would not, jump to conclusions. This team moved in a slow and deliberate manner. No expense was spared. We not only looked for the person responsible for this heinous crime, but also worked tirelessly eliminating suspects, so that the case was not only solved, but was healthy and sustainable in a court of law, where we have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.

This arrest reflects the culmination of so many man hours, resources, and represents an unwavering commitment to the family and friends of Elizabeth O'Brien. This case is now ready to stand well the rigors of the courtroom.

I applaud the exceptional and exemplary legal and police work which was conducted. So many members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police were involved in this case that I cannot list all of their names. I do, however, take great pride in applauding everyone for their outstanding efforts which led to the apprehension of Mr. Bridges.

To the family and friends of Elizabeth O'Brien our heartfelt condolences are once again extended. I realize that at times it became frustrating wondering what was happening with this investigation. Your patience and support throughout the investigation were greatly appreciated and helped us to come to a successful resolution in the pursuit of justice. This investigation is by no means over and our pursuit of justice will now move to the court room.

We are still seeking any information regarding this incident. Anyone who may have observed the defendant or anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Jefferson Township Police Department at 973-697-1300 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers Program at 973-267-2255."

Media Contact: Captain Jeffrey S. Paul