Source: Poaches Confesses To Killing Figueroa
Victim's Body Found In Wooded Area

POSTED: 5:33 pm EDT August 21, 2005
UPDATED: 3:42 pm EDT August 22, 2005

PHILADELPHIA -- An NBC 10 source says that the ex-boyfriend of Latoyia Figueroa, Stephen Poaches, has confessed to killing the mother of his unborn child.

Figueroa, 24, was last seen alive on July 18, when Poaches, 25, accompanied her to an appointment for a prenatal checkup. Police said that on that same day Poaches strangled Figueroa with his hands, put her in a bag and took her in the trunk of his car to a grassy, partially wooded area in Chester, where her body was later found.

Last Wednesday or Thursday, a detective said he was contacted by somone who had information on the case and that information led police to follow Poaches. Police said that he went back to move the body because he was afraid that police were on his trail. Authorities said Poaches was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a gun when he was arrested.

Figueroa had been missing for more than a month and the case had attracted national attention. Authorities haven't disclosed a motive.

Poaches proclaimed his innocence earlier this month in an interview with The Philadelphia Tribune. He said Figueroa was at his apartment after returning from the doctor's appointment, but that she left later that day carrying an overnight bag and didn't say where she was going.

"I assumed she was going to work," he said.

He said he learned that Figueroa was missing on July 20, the day before a missing-person report was made to police.

"I found out through her first child's father, Anthony Williams," Poaches said. "He called me. I was on a side job at the time, trying to fix a heater, and my mind immediately began racing. I thought: 'Where can she be?' I was befuddled and couldn't concentrate on what I was doing, so I left."

Figueroa's co-workers were excited about the daughter she was expecting this fall, although they sensed there were problems in her relationship.

"She was going through drama with him (Poaches)," said Cathy Reed, who worked with Figueroa at a TGI Friday's restaurant in Center City. "I can't say that I'm surprised that it was him."

Family members have told conflicting stories about Poaches' attitude about being involved with two pregnant women, said City Councilman Juan Ramos, a distant relative to the victim. Ramos said some family members said Poaches was "very conflicted, very troubled about the pregnancy."

Her family on Monday was preparing to break the news to Figueroa's 7-year-old daughter.

A viewing will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. at Victory Christian Center, followed by a memorial serivce at 5 p.m. On Friday, a viewing will be held Friday St. Peter's from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. followed by Mass from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The burial service will be at the West Laurel Hill Cemetery.

one2three said:

What the hell is wrong with these men! If you don't want to be a husband or a father, JUST LEAVE HER! Dayum.

This is so sad

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

better yet, WEAR A FUCKING CONDOM!!!!!

beret1022 said:

You can't force asses to be that smart. Jesus, just leave the woman, disappear and leave it to the state to solve the problem. Damnit.

fucking straight people man, i tell ya. WE should be protesting against the shit that THEY do.

How very sad!

What I want to know is if her family and friends were suspicious about Poaches, did they tell the police about it?

So sad, but at least her friends and family can stop wondering if she'll ever be coming home...

Truely a sad story.....