New Jersey Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder and Arson
Daniel Rochat Found Guilty Again for 2012 Murder of Barbara Vernieri
Daniel Rochat, who was found guilty of killing 70-year-old Barbara Vernieri in 2012, has been given a life sentence in prison. Rochat was first convicted in 2017 but an appeals court overturned the verdict in 2022 due to issues with DNA evidence. After a new trial in April, Rochat was found guilty again and will spend the rest of his life in New Jersey prison. He could be eligible for parole on July 2, 2076. His charges include first-degree murder, setting a fire, and tampering with evidence.
On September 14, 2012, neighbors heard strange noises and smelled gasoline coming from Vernieri’s home. When they went to check, they found Vernieri badly burned and hurt. She had been attacked, set on fire while she was still alive, and suffered severe head injuries. Rochat, who said he was a family friend, gave conflicting stories about where he was. Forensic evidence including shoe prints that matched Rochat’s shoes and connected him to the crime, according to the report of True Crime News.
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(photo: Patch)
Sentence Upheld Despite Claims of Innocence
Even though Rochat and his family continue to claim he is innocent and the court has upheld the life sentence based on the evidence. Vernieri’s daughter has shared her deep sadness saying that Rochat not only took her mother’s life but also caused her ongoing pain and suffering.
