Man Sentenced in Connection with Dover Homicide

Published on October 20, 2023

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Dover Police Department Chief Jonathan Delaney announce that Wilfredo Cabrera-Masariegos, 34, formerly of Dover, has been sentenced to five years in state prison.

On October 20, 2023, the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. imposed a sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison subject to 85% parole ineligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act. 

Cabrera-Masariegos had previously entered a guilty plea to second degree Manslaughter before Judge Amirata on September 6, 2023.  Cabrera-Masariegos has been detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility since his apprehension.

The Manslaughter conviction arises from an incident that occurred on or about July 25, 2023, in Dover.  At approximately 1:56 a.m. on July 26, Dover Police were directed to the railroad tracks near West Clinton Street on a report of a deceased person.  On arrival, they located a deceased male on the railroad tracks.  An examination by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed blunt force injury to the victim’s head, and the manner of death was ruled homicide.  The victim was previously identified as Rene Rivera Hernandez, 47, a homeless individual who frequented the Dover area.  Further investigation confirmed that Cabrera-Masariegos and the victim were on the railroad tracks under a highway bridge in the late evening hours of July 25.  Cabrera-Masariegos struck the victim in the head with a rock and fled the scene.

Numerous law enforcement agencies contributed to the swift prosecution, including members of the Dover Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to mknab@co.morris.nj.us.