Watch CBS News

NJ Man Accused Of Murder, Arson In Death Of Hillsborough Township Woman

SOMERVILLE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - A pizzeria worker is accused of killing his co-worker and setting fire to her home, prosecutors said Friday.

Juan Jimenez-Olivera, 29, is accused of killing Sviatlana Dranko Tuesday morning.

NJ Man Accused Of Murder, Arson In Death Of Hillsborough Township Woman

Firefighters were called in response to a blaze at Dranko's Hillsborough home early Tuesday and discovered her body.

The fire was deemed suspicious, and detectives determined that Dranko, 30, was dead prior to the start of the fire.

Syiatlana Dranko
Syiatlana Dranko (credit: Somerset County Prosecutor's Office)

Detectives haven't said what they believe the motive was behind the killing, but prosecutors said the two were co-workers at a pizzeria and were not involved in a relationship.

Jimenez-Olivera faces homicide and arson charges and is being held on $1 million bail.

An online campaign has been launched to help raise money for Dranko's funeral, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported.

Anyone with any information about the case is asked to call Hillsborough Township Police at (908) 369-4323. You can also contact Somerset County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-577-8477, or click here to submit a tip online.

You may also be interested in these stories: 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.