BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: A 20-year-old Massachusetts mother was tragically killed by her partner at their Salem apartment while their two young children were inside. According to a news release from the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Pablo Vicente, 33, was apprehended and charged with murder in connection with the disappearance and death of Nayeli Nieves on August 8.

A spokesperson with the Essex County District Attorney’s Office said that police were still searching for her body as of Sunday, August 14.

Who was Nayeli Nieves?

"Nayeli was a mother who would go above and beyond for her children. Her love for them was limitless and unwavering, embodying selflessness and unconditional care,” a GoFundMe campaign created by Nieves’ relatives to help support her surviving children, reads. “Unfortunately, her passing has left them without either parent and our family is stepping up to take on the responsibility to continue raising them.”

As per the DA's updated news release, prosecutors said that one of Vicente’s relatives contacted a Lynn police detective on August 7 and said that he admitted to killing Nieves and putting her body in a dumpster near their Salem apartment.

This prompted investigators to contact Salem authorities who reportedly found “evidence” at the couple’s residence that “corroborated Vicente’s alleged statement to his relative," according to the release.

Why did Pablo Vicente kill Nayeli Nieves?

According to a police report obtained by Boston.com, Vicente allegedly confessed to police that he fatally choked Nieves when he was taken for interrogation. He further said that the incident took place while their nine-month-old and three-year-old children were present during a fight over whether she was being unfaithful to him.

The report states Vicente kept the body inside the home for three days before disposing of it in a dumpster at the apartment complex. According to the police report cited by Boston.com and The Salem News, the accused allegedly claimed he “wanted to spend more time with his children,” which is why he did not call 911.

The release claimed that both children have been placed in the care of the Department of Children and Families. Authorities reportedly obtained footage following Vicente's arrest which showed him carrying what appeared to be Nieves’ body to a dumpster on the property.

However, when the authorities were unable to find anything when they searched the dumpster again as they couldn’t find anything since it had been emptied earlier that day. According to court records obtained by the outlet, Vicente was arrested in April for allegedly assaulting Nieves but was later released on bail.

Vicente was arraigned on August 8 in Salem District Court and has pleaded not guilty.