Kenyan Man Arrested After Woman's Remains Found In His Car In US

The woman was revealed to be 31-year-old Tracy Nyariki, who was residing in Newark, Delaware, and who went missing in Bear in New Castle County. 

Kenyan Man Arrested After Woman's Remains Found In His Car In US
Kenyan Nobert Matara (left) arrested after remains of Tracy Nyariki (right) were found in his car. /WDEL.ABC7 CHICAGO

Nobert Matara, a 32-year-old Kenyan man, has been arrested in the United States (US) after police found the dismembered remains of a woman in his vehicle on Saturday night, December 21.

The woman was revealed to be 31-year-old Tracy Nyariki, who was residing in Newark, Delaware, and who went missing in Bear in New Castle County. 

The Aberdeen Police Department confirmed that Nyariki, who lived in Newark, Delaware, was reported missing after failing to show up at work for several days.

Investigations commenced on Friday, December 20 around 10:15 p.m. when New Castle County Police responded to the 2700 block of Stone Place in the Village of Kent Apartments in Newark, Delaware.

A car belonging to the New Castle County, Delaware, Police Department. /NEW CASTLE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

With Nyariki, also a Kenyan, reported missing, her employer contacted the police who searched through her apartment but were unable to find her. 

During the investigation, they uncovered several suspicious circumstances that made them concerned for her safety and well-being. After they were unable to contact her, police issued a Gold Alert as investigators then identified Matara as a person of interest in Nyariki’s disappearance.

Before announcing Matara’s arrest, New Castle County police issued a news release on December 22, saying the Gold Alert for Nyariki was cancelled and that she was found.

With help from Aberdeen Police, investigators found Matara and his vehicle on the 1100 block of South Philadelphia Boulevard in Aberdeen, Maryland. They then found Nyariki’s dismembered remains in his vehicle.

"On Saturday, 21 December 2024, at 5:00 pm, officers from the Aberdeen Police Department were asked by the New Castle County Police Department in Delaware to assist in locating a missing person and a potential male homicidal individual," part of the Aberdeen Police report stated.

"Officers responded to the 1100 block of S. Philadelphia Boulevard and located the homicidal male. Subsequent investigation led to the discovery of human remains in a vehicle. The male was later arrested."

Matara was arrested and is currently being held in Maryland where he is awaiting extradition to Delaware. Once transferred, he’ll be arraigned on the charge of first-degree murder.

"He is in jail in Maryland awaiting extradition to Delaware on first-degree murder charges," police added.

Matara may face additional charges "as evidence continues to be collected in the ongoing investigation."

Neighbours in the area expressed shock at the developments. "I saw the police here since Saturday, so I just figured it was something regular," said Nyier Rickes, a resident near Nyariki's apartment and who spoke to a U.S. media outlet.

It is still not known what prompted the altercation between the two and the extent of their relationship is yet to be established although they were known acquaintances.

Picture of a crime scene. /PEXELS