Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Woman at South Jersey Motel

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ – On Wednesday, Alexander Rivera, a 27-year-old man from Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to the killing of a woman inside a Maple Shade motel. As per an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Rivera will face a 25-year term in state prison.

The investigation began on May 11 when officers from the Maple Shade Police Department discovered Michelle Johnston, 36, dead in room 410 of the Bel-Air Motor Lodge.

An autopsy later revealed that Johnston had died from strangulation and multiple stab wounds. Rivera was arrested in November at his home by the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. He will be sentenced on August 18.