NORTHFIELD TWP. (WWJ) -- A Dearborn man has been charged in connection with the case of a tourist from Brazil who was found dead in rural Washtenaw County last month .
Northfield Township Police announced Friday that 57-year old Fareed George Hajjar was arrested by Dearborn Police on Tuesday, following an investigation into the death of 57-year-old Suzan Barbosa-Ferreira.
According to the victim's sister, Renata Santana , Barbosa-Ferreira had been traveling in the U.S. — visiting parts of North Carolina and Michigan — when her body was found in a field on June 30.
Police said a couple was walking along a dirt road in the 7700 block of Earhart Rd., between 6 and 5 Mile roads, when they discovered Barbosa-Ferreira's body in a ditch and called 911.
The Northville PD said it has since been working with the Dearborn PD on this investigation, ultimately tracing the victim's last known location to a Dearborn home.
Hajjar, a Dearborn resident, was taken into custody there on July 9.
While he has not been charged with killing Barbosa-Ferreira, Hajjar is now facing two counts: disinterment and mutilation of a body, and concealing the death of an individual.
“Our officers worked around the clock with Northfield Township to identify, develop a person of interest, and gather sufficient evidence to present the case to the prosecutor’s office," Dearborn Police Commander Timothy McHale said, in a statement. "While we have obtained some charges in this case, this continues to be an ongoing and very active investigation.”
Hajja was arraigned in 14A-3 District Court in Chelsea and issued $10 million cash/surety bond, with his next hearing scheduled for July 25.
“We would like to thank the Northfield community for their patience as we commenced this sensitive investigation with our partner agencies while maintaining the integrity of evidence," Northfield Township Police Chief Martin Smith said.
Police did not say what, if any, Hajja had to Barbosa-Ferreira.
As the investigation continues, McHale encouraged anyone who knows anything about the case to please come forward.
“We urge the community to contact us with any and all information so we can learn more about this tragic incident and deliver further justice and closure to the victim’s loved ones," he added.
Anyone with information should call the Dearborn PD at 313-943-2132 or the Northfield Township PD at 734-449-9911. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-Speak Up (800-773-2587).
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe to send Barbosa-Ferreira's body home to her family has raised £4,259 (around $5,530 USD) toward a £20,000 goal (around $25,975 USD).
Those who wish to help can make a donation at this link .
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