“Shooting” for Early Retirement

On June 6^th, 31 year-old Wilton Estrada called 911 claiming he had been robbed and shot twice when he arrived at his warehouse job that morning.  According to North Jersey Media Group, investigators, including Detective Capt. Robert Rowan, began to question the legitimacy of the shooting after Wilton’s fiancée, Yanesis Estrada, arrived at the hospital before investigators did.

“Detectives retrieved security video from businesses around the 462 Getty Ave., location where the shooting took place and were able to ascertain that Yanesis Estrada dropped Wilton Estrada at his place of employment, but then turned off her vehicle’s headlights and circled the block a few times finally parking and waiting around the corner, Rowan said. After a while a man walked toward the parked car, entered and Yanesis Estrada drove off as the would-be victim dialed 911.”

“During the interrogation, Rowan said detectives learned the couple had orchestrated a plan where a friend, Jose Rivera, 29, of Newark, a known member of La Nieta Gang, would do the shooting then leave the area with the victim’s fiancée.”

“Rowan said the Passaic County Sheriff Department’s Crime Scene Investigation found traces of gunshot residue on Yanesis Estrada as well as in her vehicle and she was arrested on Wednesday.” 

Wilton Estrada has been charged with third degree conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, giving false information to a law enforcement officer, and falsely reporting a crime.  His fiancée was charged with fourth degree hindering apprehension by reporting false information to police, and third degree conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.  Accomplice, Rivera, is charged with third degree conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, possession and use of an illegal weapon and aggravated assault.  He is currently in jail with a bond set at $150,000.

Investigators believe that Estrada had staged the shooting to fund an early retirement by cashing in on workers’ compensation, disability and a pension.