BROOKLYN, NY – A 65-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder and arson in connection to the death of a 70-year-old man in Brooklyn. The incident took place at 371 Monroe Street within the 79 Precinct.
On Friday at approximately 11:15 PM, emergency responders arrived at the scene following a 911 report of smoke in an apartment. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, but police found a man deceased in the bedroom. The victim has been identified as Vetus Roberts, a resident of the apartment.
The following day, Saturday, at around 8:40 PM, Jennifer Rochard, also a resident of the same address, was taken into custody. She faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree arson.
Emergency medical services transported Rochard to NYC Health and Hospitals/Woodhull for treatment of smoke inhalation and she remains in stable condition. The cause of Roberts’ death is pending determination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The Fire Marshal has concluded that the fire was intentionally set. The investigation into this fatal incident continues.