Dismembered body found in Burlington City, victim’s wife, in-law charged

The trail of body parts found in Burlington County leads detectives to the victim's wife in North Jersey, and her brother in New York.

Adrienne Smith, 43, of Bergenfield, a surgical technician, and Orville Cousins, 40, of the Bronx, are charged with desecration of human remains, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi. The body of Randolph Smith of Bergenfield was found in six plastic containers in Burlington City on January 12.

The arrest resulted from a joint investigaiton by the Bergen County Major Crimes Unit, led by Chief of Detectives Robert Anzillotti; the Burlington County Major Crimes Unit; led by Chief of Detectives Darren Anderson; the Burlington City Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alen Snow; and Bergenfield Police, led by Chief Cathy Madalone.

According to investigators, Adrienne Smith reported her husband missing to Bergenfield Police on January 2. She allegedly told local and County authorities Randolph Smith left their house on the evening of December 25, 2016, never returned, and was not heard from again.

Once it was determined that the body parts found in Burlington City were those of Randolph Smith, investigators reached the conclusion that Cousins, along with Adrienne Smith, bought the materials used for that purpose, on or about December 26. Authorities said they seized some of the materials at the house in Bergenfield.

Cousins was apprehended in New York on January 15, and Adrienne Smith was taken into custody at a relative's house in New Brunswick on January 20.

Results of the continuing investigation of the murder might result in additional charges.

In addition to the second-degree desecration charges, Adrienne Smith is charged with a third-degree count of hindering apprehension. She was held in the Bergen County Jail through her January 21 initial court appearance. Cousins was held in New York, pending extradition to New Jersey.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.