Tip ends search

All it took was one phone call to close the file on LaToyia Figueroa’s disappearance, illustrating just how crucial information from the public can be in cracking a case.

"Tips are critical. That’s one of the reasons the reward system is in place with the Citizens Crime Commission," said Chief Inspector Joseph Fox.

Homicide detectives do not know what motivated Stephen Poaches’ friend to come forward with information on Poaches’ missing, pregnant ex-girlfriend. But because of that person’s actions, Poaches was arrested shortly after midnight Saturday in Chester and ultimately confessed to Figueroa’s killing, Fox said.

Police tailed the 25-year-old from his home on the 5800 block of Walton Street in Southwest Philly to a grassy vacant lot in Chester. There, police discovered the decomposing body of the 24-year-old five-months-pregnant mother of Poaches’ unborn child.

Concerned he was to be discovered, Poaches is believed to have gone to Chester to move or bury Figueroa’s body. One police source said Poaches had taken the woman’s body there July 18, the last day she was seen, after he allegedly killed her.

Yesterday, police would not comment on published reports that a second man was likely to be arrested in connection with the case.

When authorities arrested Poaches, he was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a .45-caliber automatic handgun, said District Attorney Lynne Abraham at a press conference almost 12 hours later.

Figueroa, who has a 7-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, was strangled, said Fox.

Poaches has been charged with two counts of murder since the death of a fetus carries a separate charge. He was arraigned Monday and held without bail pending a preliminary hearing Aug. 31.

Poaches’ friend allegedly told detectives the suspect contacted him Saturday night wanting a truck and a body bag, said a police source. Fox would not disclose or confirm any information about the informant or what he said.

After Poaches’ friend came to police, they called the crime commission saying they had someone eligible for the reward, said the chief inspector.

The informant will receive $10,000 for the information that led police to Figueroa and then $90,000 if Poaches is convicted, said Santo Montecalvo, crime commission vice president.

Safeguarding an informant’s anonymity is the crime commission’s chief goal – even more important than the information gleaned from that person, said Montecalvo.

Fox said he finds it a sad commentary many people see money as an incentive to come forward with information on crimes.

"If people have information, they should come forward. We’re in dire need of that kind of support and information from people in the know," the chief inspector said.

A search for the woman from the 200 block of South Ithan Street in Southwest Philly had turned up nothing until police received the tip Saturday.

The woman’s father, Melvin Figueroa, also of Southwest Philly, had organized many searches throughout the city in the weeks following her disappearance.

In the weeks before Poaches’ arrest, detectives had searched his home and car, Fox said. With no evidence of a crime, police categorized Figueroa as a missing person.

Monday, Mayor John Street released a lengthy statement thanking local, state and federal investigators. The mayor also offered his condolences and prayers to Figueroa’s family and said although "the mystery has been solved" it in no way lessens the family’s grief.

"As Mayor, I am committed to increasing the city’s efforts in regards to the prevention of violent crimes – sending a clear message to those who have no respect for human life that this city will not rest in pursuit of justice. We will work tirelessly to ensure that families like the Figueroas will never have to suffer tragic losses such as this."

Figueroa’s disappearance had received national attention. CNN, Fox News and Today have all reported on the case.