Man wanted for Bridgewater train tracks murder arrested

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — Man wanted for Bridgewater train tracks murder arrested

A man charged with murder in relation to the death of a woman found in a burning car in Bridgewater last year has been arrested in the Dominican Republic.

Fernando Owens, 43, of Dorchester was arrested on Tuesday in Santo Domingo.

Police say Owens was involved in the Nov. 3, 2015 murder of Ashley Bortner. Her burned remains were found near railroad tracks in Bridgewater, but it took medical investigators several weeks to identify her.

Shortly after the murder, Owens allegedly fled to the Dominican Republic where he had ties.

Owens was arrested by police in the Dominican Republic and returned to the United States Thursday.

"Today, I want to commend the deputies of the U.S. Marshals Service and the officers of the Massachusetts State Police for their steadfast commitment to Owens' apprehension in the Dominican Republic," said John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts.  "This arrest clearly shows our resolve in returning anyone who commits a violent felony in our community and then attempts to flee justice."

Owens is expected to be in court Friday morning.

Cox Media Group