Missing Mom of Four Found Buried in Shallow Grave Near New York Beach — Ex-Boyfriend Charged With Murder

A New York mother of four who vanished from her home has been found dead in a shallow grave near a beach, ending days of desperate searching by her family. Seraphina Pereira, 35, was last seen leaving her home in Queens on October 19. Five days later, police discovered her body near the shoreline, turning a missing-person investigation into a homicide case.

Pereira disappeared from her residence in the Rockaways neighborhood of Queens, New York City. When she failed to return, her loved ones began searching for her and distributing missing-person flyers throughout the area. Her sister, Davonna Gray, traveled from Albany to help find her, holding on to hope that Pereira would be located alive.

That hope was shattered on the night of October 24, when officers discovered Pereira’s body in a shallow grave near Rockaway Community Park, close to the Jamaica Bay shoreline. Police found her remains wrapped in a blanket. According to reports citing the medical examiner, Pereira had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to her head, neck and torso, and her death was ruled a homicide.

The investigation quickly focused on Rogelio Lozano-Garita, 26, the father of two of Pereira’s children. Police arrested him on October 26 in connection with her killing. Authorities have charged him with murder, criminal possession of a weapon, concealing a human corpse and tampering with physical evidence. Investigators have not publicly established a motive, and the charges remain allegations to be addressed in court.

Pereira’s family has described her as a loving mother who devoted herself to her children despite facing personal hardships. She frequently shared moments of family life on social media, celebrating her children’s achievements and expressing pride in their progress. Her sister remembered her as someone who continued to smile through difficult times and enjoyed dancing, exploring New York City and spending time with the people she loved.

According to relatives, Pereira had been separating from the father of her two youngest children before she disappeared. Her death has left four children without their mother and devastated loved ones who had been searching for answers. Gray and other family members have shared tributes online, expressing grief over the loss and remembering Pereira’s warmth and resilience.

The family is now preparing to honor Pereira’s memory while facing the difficult task of supporting her children through the aftermath. A candlelight vigil was planned to pay tribute to her and help support the children. Meanwhile, police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Although an arrest has been made, authorities have not announced a confirmed motive, and the case will continue through the criminal justice system.

Source: PEOPLE