A Dorchester man who was captured in the Dominican Republic was arraigned Thursday for the murder of a women found dead and burned in Bridgewater in 2015.
Fernando Owens pleaded not guilty to one count each of murder and aggravated kidnapping.
The FBI and their Dominican Republic partners arrested Owens in the Dominican Republic on March 8 and was transported to New York, where he was arraigned on a fugitive from justice charge.
Owens waived extradition and Mass. State Police troopers returned Owens to Brockton on Thursday for his arraignment.
The body of Ashley Bortner, 29 of New Jersey, was found n November 3, 2015 near MBTA tracks. Her body had been burned over 70 percent and had been gagged by clothing. Bortner’s hands and feet were bound behind her.
State Police said Owens was familiar with Bortner and believed she somehow played a role in the murder of his son in Suffolk County.
Police seized items from his home that link him to the murder, including an Egyptian cotton towel and electrical cord.
A New Hampshire couple has also been charged in the murder. Julian Squires and Shannon Squires face one count each of murder and aggravated kidnapping.
Owens was held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 15.
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