DA: Newburgh man pleads guilty plea in the death of missing woman

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler says Matthew Mercado, 39, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of 36-year-old Jessica Lopez, of Newburgh.

News 12 Staff

Aug 26, 2022, 12:26 PM

Updated 781 days ago

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A Newburgh man has pleaded guilty in the death of a woman who was missing for nearly three years.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler says Matthew Mercado, 39, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of 36-year-old Jessica Lopez, of Newburgh.
She was last seen in November 2019 at the Windsor Motel in the Town of New Windsor.
Mercado admitted he caused her death by giving her a variety of illegal drugs.
He also admitted that he failed to obtain medical aid.
As part of his plea agreement, Mercado will provide information where he hid Lopez's body and will help authorities in the recovery.
Hoovler says he will seek a sentence of 17 to 19 years in prison at sentencing in November.