Robert Bishun, 36, was found strangled in the back of his BMW in the Fieldston section of the Bronx, N.Y., Tuesday after being abducted from his auto body shop, the New York Daily News reports.
Bishun was a cooperating witness who was set to testify against Police Officer Merlin Alston, who was charged with narcotic conspiracy and accused of being a helper, driver and shotgun-toting bodyguard for Bishun over a period of four years.
According to the Daily News, federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York said that Bishun's death was ordered by Alston.
Alston had his bail revoked and was ordered remanded to custody after news of Bishun's death. His attorney, Bradley Henry, argued that there was no evidence linking Bishun's death to Alston.
According to the New York City Police Department, Alston, whose wife is also a police officer, remains suspended pending the outcome of his criminal case.
Read more at the New York Daily News.