HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) — A northern New Jersey man has
denied killing an elderly woman whose body was found inside her burning
home.
Daniel Rochat pleaded not guilty Friday to murder, aggravated arson, armed
burglary and other charges.
The 37-year-old Wood-Ridge resident is accused of killing 70-year-old Barbara
Vernieri of East Rutherford.
Investigators say Vernieri died of blunt force trauma to her head and upper
body. The widow, who lived alone, suffered the fatal injuries before the fire
engulfed her home on Sept. 14.
The Bergen County prosecutor says the victim and Rochat's father worked
together in real estate.
A Superior Court judge in Hackensack has continued Rochat's bail at $3
million.
