A city contractor found slain Monday was choked by one man until he lost consciousness, then bound with duct tape and set afire in his car by two other suspects, authorities said Wednesday.

Ronald Jackson, 44, was still alive when his vehicle was torched in a weed-filled lot in the 800 block of Atlantic Avenue in South Camden, officials said. Authorities discovered his body in the burning car about 4 a.m. Monday.

Charged with murder are Sherman Artwell, 32, of of Runnemede, and Zoranda Paulson, 30, and Jonathan Martin, 19, both of whom lived with the victim in the 900 block of Cedar Street.

Authorities said Artwell was under electronic monitoring for a drug conviction and Paulson was on probation for assault at the time of Jackson's killing.

The arrests were based on statements by Paulson and Martin, said Assistant Camden County Prosecutor Gregory Smith.

According to Smith, Paulson said Artwell choked the victim during a fight at the Cedar Street house on Sunday. Artwell then directed Paulson to enlist Martin's help in burning the unconscious man's body, Smith said.

Artwell had to return to his home in the 900 block of Central Avenue, Runnemede, or his ankle bracelet would alert authorities to a curfew violation, Smith said.

Paulson helped wrap Jackson in duct tape, securing his hands and feet and wrapping his eyes, mouth and head, according to her confession. An autopsy determined Jackson died of smoke inhalation and burns.

Paulson was on probation for two assault charges - an attack on a police officer and the beating of a man with a shovel.

Paulson testified in 2000 as a defense witness for Artwell, who was convicted of drug charges for dealing cocaine in Camden. Artwell was sentenced in June 2000 to a seven-year term in state prison with a three-year bar on parole. He was released from prison on May 23, however, and placed on electronic monitoring.

Artwell, who worked for a hotel chain, was scheduled for a parole hearing Sept. 9.

The state Department of Corrections referred inquiries about Artwell's early release to the parole board. A spokesman for the parole board said Artwell is still a state inmate.

The spokesman, Michael Dowling, said Artwell qualified for house arrest because his criminal history was nonviolent and he had complied with requirements to remain drug- free.

Paulson's statement does not indicate the time of the fight between Artwell and Jackson, nor where Jackson's body was held until his car was set on fire.

Artwell received a six-hour furlough Sunday to handle personal matters. Smith said Artwell left his Runnemede home at 12:06 p.m. and returned at 4:52 p.m.

On Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Samuel D. Natal set bail for Artwell and Paulson at $500,000 cash or bond. Martin's bail was set at $400,000 cash or bond.