New Jersey Blueberry Farm Worker Found Dead in Delaware After Weeks-Long Search
A 27-year-old migrant farmworker from New Jersey who had been missing for nearly two months was found dead near the Delaware River, according to authorities in Delaware.
Lizandro Guizar Sartiaguin, who worked in the blueberry fields around Hammonton, was last seen on Feb. 27 after leaving his residence on Laurel Avenue at around 1 p.m., police previously said. Family members became concerned after he suddenly stopped communicating with relatives and friends, something they described as highly unusual.
Authorities later confirmed that a body discovered on April 24 near Fox Point State Park in Wilmington, Delaware, belonged to Guizar Sartiaguin. The park sits along the Delaware River across from parts of Salem County, New Jersey.
Delaware State Police said a visitor at the park located the decomposed body during the evening hours. The remains were then transferred to Delaware’s Division of Forensic Science, where investigators later identified the victim as Guizar Sartiaguin.
Officials said the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
The case has drawn attention from both local residents and migrant worker advocates because of the difficult circumstances surrounding the young worker’s disappearance. According to relatives, Guizar Sartiaguin left behind many of his personal belongings before vanishing, including his phone, identification documents, and bank cards.
Family members also said he did not own a vehicle and had reportedly been searching for transportation on the day he disappeared.
During the search effort, relatives shared surveillance footage on social media that allegedly showed Guizar Sartiaguin walking along Bridge Avenue in Hammonton shortly before he vanished. The video became part of the family’s public effort to gather information and locate him safely.
His cousin, Tony Sandoval, previously said Guizar Sartiaguin had suffered a serious head injury several years ago that caused long-term cognitive difficulties. Despite those challenges, he continued working in New Jersey’s agricultural industry to financially support his wife and daughter in Mexico.
Family members described him as a hardworking man dedicated to helping loved ones back home.
Authorities also confirmed that Guizar Sartiaguin was legally living in the United States and held permanent resident status.
As investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding his death, Delaware State Police are asking anyone with information connected to the case to contact Detective Joseph Lucyk.
Meanwhile, supporters and community advocates have stepped in to help the family during the difficult period following the discovery. Brenda Trinidad, who assisted relatives during the search process, organized a fundraiser aimed at covering funeral and transportation costs so Guizar Sartiaguin’s body can be returned to Mexico for burial.
In the fundraiser message, Trinidad said the victim’s mother spent weeks searching for her son and continued holding onto hope throughout the investigation. The fundraiser is intended to help the family bring him home so relatives can say their final goodbyes.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine what happened in the days between his disappearance in New Jersey and the discovery of his body in Delaware.
Sources:
Delaware State Police
Hammonton Police Department
Delaware Division of Forensic Science
