Dorchester man wanted for killing, immolating woman as revenge for son's murder

Plymouth County officials have issued an APB for Fernando Owens, 43, of Dorchester, on charges he murdered a New Jersey woman and set her body on fire because he apparently thought she had something to do with the murder of his son Dominic, shot to death on Shepton Street in Dorchester on Nov. 3.

The Plymouth County District Attorney's office reports:

State Police investigators have determined that Owens was acquainted with the victim in this case and that he believed [Ashley Bortner, 29], had a hand in the recent death of Fernando's son, Domenic Owens. Police seized items from Fernando Owens' home at 65 Lonsdale Street in Dorchester that link him to the murder, including the same sort of Egyptian cotton bath towel and identical electrical cord found on the victim.

Dominic Owens died around the corner from his father's home.

Prosecutors say Bortner's body was found, burning, near train tracks in Bridgewater, almost 24 hours after the younger Owens's death:

Her body was burned over 70%, she had been gagged by her own clothing and her face was wrapped with a towel and she was found in a comforter. Bortner’s hands and feet were bound behind her and electrical cord was around her neck.

Separately, a Manchester, NH husband and wife were charged with being accessories after the fact:

Cell phone records from the Squires put the couple in Bridgewater around the time of the 911 call to Bridgewater Police on November 3rd. Additionally, the Squires own a vehicle similar to the dark SUV described by the 911 caller.

If you see Owens, contact State Police at 508-947-8087, MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1050 or Bridgewater Police at 508-697-6118.

Innocent, etc.