Newark, New Jersey – The heartbreaking story of 14-year-old Judy Cajuste continues to haunt the city of Newark nearly two decades after her life was tragically cut short. What began as a normal January afternoon in 2006 turned into a nightmare that no family should ever endure. Judy, a bright and spirited high school student known for her laughter and dedication to track practice, never returned home that evening. Two days later, her body was discovered in a dumpster behind a local park — her young life stolen, her dreams silenced, and her killer still at large.
On January 11, 2006, Judy attended track practice at her school, just as she did countless times before. She was known among teachers and friends as a promising student — kind-hearted, disciplined, and filled with ambition. That night, however, Judy never made it home. Her family, growing worried, began calling friends, coaches, and even hospitals, but no one had seen her. By the following morning, a missing person’s report was filed, sparking an investigation that would soon uncover one of Newark’s most chilling unsolved murders.
Two days later, on January 13, 2006, maintenance workers made a horrifying discovery — a young girl’s body inside a park dumpster. That girl was confirmed to be Judy Cajuste. Authorities revealed that she had been strangled, suggesting a deliberate act of violence. The discovery sent shockwaves throughout Newark, as community members gathered for vigils, demanding answers and justice for the bright teenager whose future had been stolen so cruelly.
Detectives soon learned that Judy had been chatting online with a man believed to be in his twenties in the days leading up to her disappearance. Those digital conversations became the focal point of the investigation, raising questions about how she may have been lured or deceived. Despite numerous leads and tireless work by law enforcement, no arrests were ever made. As time passed, the case grew cold — but the pain for Judy’s family never faded.
For Judy’s loved ones, every passing year is a painful reminder of the justice that remains out of reach. Her family has refused to let her memory fade, organizing awareness events and urging the public to come forward with any information that could finally close the case. They have also become advocates for stronger online safety and child protection laws, hoping that no other family will ever experience such tragedy.
Newark residents who still remember the case describe Judy as the “girl with the radiant smile,” someone who brought joy wherever she went. Today, the community continues to mourn her loss while calling on authorities to keep her case alive. The haunting question remains: who took Judy’s life, and why has justice not been served?
Anyone with information related to Judy Cajuste’s murder is urged to contact Newark Crime Stoppers at 1-877-NWK-TIPS. Every detail, no matter how small, could help bring long-awaited justice to Judy’s family and finally give peace to a young soul gone too soon.
#JusticeForJudy ️