A former Bergen County, N.J., real estate salesperson has been indicted for the murder of a 70-year-old Realtor who worked for many years in his father’s real estate office, the South Bergenite reports.

Daniel T. Rochat, 38, is accused of murdering Barbara Vernieri, who was beaten to death on Sept. 14 and found in her house after it was set ablaze. Rochat is also charged with the attempted murder of two tenants living in the house.

Prosecutors said Rochat, who was arrested on Oct. 3 and entered a “not guilty” plea in an Oct. 5 court appearance, was managing a home in East Rutherford where Vernieri’s blood and DNA were found in a kitchen sink.

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance lists Rochat’s real estate salesperson license as “inactive.” His father, Gene, is managing broker and co-owner of Kurgan-Bergen Realtors, the Rutherford-based brokerage where Vernieri reportedly worked for 25 years. Source: northjersey.com.

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