Mastic man charged with girlfriend's murder

Stunned friends of the Mastic woman who police said was choked to death by her live-in boyfriend said Sunday there were signs of trouble between the couple but nothing to indicate her life was in danger.

Lisa Amore, 37, of Mastic was inconsolable Sunday afternoon when she and her husband, John, drove to the home Teresa Heredia shared with her boyfriend, Justin Miller.

"She was just at my house the other day," said Amore sobbing. "Oh my God, Teresa."

Miller, 35, who is accused in the death of Heredia, 29, was remanded to Suffolk County Jail Sunday with no bail after his arraignment before District Court Judge John Iliou in Central Islip.

Miller has been charged with second-degree murder. The couple's 7-month-old infant was nearby at the time, police said.

"This was an intentional murder," assistant District Attorney Robert Biancavilla told the judge at the arraignment.

After court proceedings, Biancavilla added, "The allegation is that he strangled Teresa to death during an argument, then cut off her bra and top, then hid those items in the garbage, then put another top on her . . . I think he was probably trying to stage the scene."

Miller's stepfather, Angelo Passariello, was in the courtroom and said afterward, "My stepson has always been a good boy. I never had a problem with him."

Passariello said the couple's child was in the custody of Miller's sister and authorities from the county's Child Protective Services had checked on the child Saturday night.

Miller's attorney Thomas F. Foy had no comment.

Heredia told her friends she and Miller were having problems at home.

"She said 'We're not getting along,' " said John Amore, 54, of Mastic.

Lisa Amore described Heredia as outspoken and "the funniest person you'd ever meet." She said Heredia has a son from a previous marriage. She described Miller as a nice, quiet man.

"Why would he do something like that?" she said between sobs. "He was just so quiet. He was just so normal."