New Jersey Mother Found Dead in Dumpster

The disappearance of 39-year-old Lucrecia Jadan Sumba, a hardworking mother of four from Elizabeth, New Jersey, took a tragic turn when her body was discovered in a Pennsylvania dumpster on Jan. 11, 2025. Her husband of over 23 years, 42-year-old Rolando Corte, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.

A Missing Mother

The mystery began on Jan. 8, when Sumba, who worked at Princess Nails in Elizabeth, had her day off. According to her family, she spent the morning taking two of her sons to school. But when she didn’t show up for work the next day, her boss, Abigail, and co-workers grew concerned. The GoFundMe reads that it was “very unusual for her not to show up to work or call to inform if she was not able to go to work.”

Her co-workers called her repeatedly, left voicemails, and even visited her home to check on her. When they found no trace of Sumba, her boss, Abigail, and 18-year-old son, Danny, reported her missing to the Elizabeth Police Department on Jan. 9.

The following day, police searched her home, declaring it a crime scene and barring her children and family members from entering. By January 11, Sumba’s body was discovered in a dumpster on South Third Street in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, about 75 miles from her home.

A Horrific Crime

An autopsy revealed that Sumba died of sharp force injuries, with the Lehigh County Coroner ruling her death a homicide. Investigators soon focused on her husband, Rolando Corte, as a suspect. On Jan. 12, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Corte had been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

According to the GoFundMe campaign, Corte initially told family members he didn’t know where Sumba was. Those close to her said he appeared “very disinterested” in her whereabouts, raising suspicions early on.

A Heartbroken Family

Sumba’s death has devastated her family, especially her four children: Leonel, 21, Christian, 19, Danny, 18, and Eidan, 5. Originally from Ecuador, Sumba came to the U.S. in 2021 in search of a better life for her children. She worked tirelessly as a housecleaner and babysitter before joining the nail salon, where she built strong relationships with her coworkers.

Described as a “very hardworking woman” and a loving mother, Sumba had dreams of obtaining her GED and furthering her career. Her colleagues fondly called her “La Tía,” according to her GoFundMe, a nickname that reflected the warmth and kindness she brought to her workplace.

The GoFundMe has been established to cover funeral and repatriation costs so her body can be returned to Ecuador, where her parents and one of her sons are waiting to give her a proper burial. “We need justice for her,” said a family friend in a statement to WFMZ.

Community Reaction

The discovery of Sumba’s body sent shockwaves through Coopersburg, a quiet community unaccustomed to such violence. “We were all impacted by the news,” said a local motel employee to WFMZ. “At least we can tell the people here they can sleep more comfortably.”

Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, with Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan stating, “There is no risk to the public,” according to PEOPLE. Corte is currently being held in the Union County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court later in January.

Sumba’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers many women face, even from those closest to them. Her family, friends, and coworkers are now left mourning the loss of a woman who worked tirelessly to give her children a brighter future.

References: ‘We need justice’: Husband charged with murder of wife found in dumpster in Coopersburg | Mom of 4’s Co-Workers Became Worried When She Didn’t Show Up to Work. Then She Was Found Dead in Dumpster | Fund for Lucrecia’s Funeral and Repatriation