the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wood-Ridge NJ, in a harrowing case that has spanned over a decade, Daniel Rochat, a resident of Wood-Ridge, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2012 murder of East Rutherford real estate agent Barbara Vernieri. This sentencing marks the culmination of a long legal journey, including a previous conviction overturned by an appellate court in 2022 and a re-conviction in April.
The Crime and Conviction
Rochat, now 49, was found guilty of a series of charges, including murder, arson, felony murder, desecration, hindering, and false swearing. The gruesome details of Vernieri’s death were laid bare in court: she was found beaten and set on fire while still alive in her home. The brutality of the crime left the community and Vernieri’s family in shock.
Lack of Remorse Highlighted
During the sentencing, Bergen County Superior Court Judge Christopher Kazlau underscored Rochat’s complete lack of remorse. Despite spending the last 12 years in county jail and state prison, Rochat’s demeanor and statements during police interviews were described as “striking” and showed no signs of repentance.
Sentencing Details
Judge Kazlau sentenced Rochat to life in prison for the murder charge, which merged with the felony murder charge. In New Jersey, life imprisonment is typically 75 years, with 85% of the sentence served before parole eligibility. Additional sentences included 10 years for arson, 10 years for desecration, five years each for two hindering charges, and 18 months for false swearing. These sentences will run concurrently.
Courtroom Reactions
Assistant Prosecutor Dave Malfitano called the murder a “torturous, horrific way to die,” emphasizing the sheer brutality of setting Vernieri aflame while she was still alive. The judge detailed the injuries Vernieri sustained, highlighting the inhumanity of the crime.
Claims of Innocence and Familial Support
Rochat maintained his innocence during the hearing, stating, “Justice has not been served. The person who did this brutal murder has eluded justice.” His mother, Janet Rochat, spoke in his defense, asserting a warm and loving relationship between her son and Vernieri and criticizing the thoroughness of the investigation.
Impact on the Victim’s Family
Vernieri’s family provided poignant victim impact statements. Her daughter, Anne Scanlon, expressed the profound and lasting impact of her mother’s murder on their lives. She recounted the precious moments her mother missed, including her granddaughter’s milestones and her grandson’s growth. “Rochat not only took my mother’s life, he took a piece of mine,” Scanlon said, emphasizing the enduring sadness and difficulty in moving forward.
Final Denial of New Trial
Before sentencing, Rochat’s attorney, Anthony Pope, argued for a new trial, but the motion was denied. Judge Kazlau stated that the evidence was more than sufficient for a jury to find Rochat guilty.
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