Former Wood-Ridge Man Convicted Of Murder At Retrial

48-Year-Old Former Wood-Ridge Man Who Beat And Burned A Woman Alive In 2012 Convicted Of Murder Again

Saturday, April 27, 2024, 4:00 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HACKENSACK, NJ.- On Wednesday, Daniel Rochat, a 48-year-old former Wood-Ridge, New Jersey man was convicted following a retrial for the 2012 brutal and horrific burning death of Barbara Vernieri a Real Estate Agent who worked for the Rochat's father's Real Estate Firm.

     According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, following a 15-day trial before the Honorable Christopher Kazlau, J.S.C. in Bergen County Superior Court, a jury found Daniel Rochat guilty on charges of first-degree Murder; Aggravate Arson; Felony Murder; Unlawful Desecration of Human Remains; Hindering Apprehension by Providing False Statements; Hindering Apprehension by Concealing or Destroying Evidence; and False Swearing for the 2012 death of Ms. Vernieri inside her East Rutherford, New Jersey residence.

     Sentencing in the matter has been scheduled for June 14, 2024, in Bergen County Superior Court at which time Rochat will face a potential term of incarceration of life in New Jersey State Prison.

     According to the Prosecutor's Office, on September 14, 2012, Rochat entered Ms. Vernieri's home and beat her about the head and face. Following the beating, Rochat set Ms. Vernieri on fire while she was still alive. Rochat destroyed evidence inside the home and took Ms. Vernieri's cell phone.

     Following a swift-moving investigation, on October 3, 2012, Rochat was taken into custody by Detectives of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and charged. During a subsequent trial, Rochat was convicted in 2017, however, the conviction was reversed in 2022 due to some of the DNA testing of evidence was deemed unreliable.

     Prosecutor Musella thanks Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Grootenboer and David Malfitano of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office for their zealous advocacy and for helping to bring justice for the victim and her family in this prosecution. Prosecutor Musella also commends the detectives of his Major Crimes Unit as well as members of the East Rutherford Police Department, Bergen County Sheriff's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their skill and professionalism in investigating this matter. Additionally, Prosecutor Musella extends his sincere thanks to the many retired detectives who so nobly continue to answer the call of duty and returned to testify at trial.

FILED UNDER: APRIL 27, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, BERGEN: