Community Corner

Vicious Clark Homicide Still Unsolved One Year Later

Detectives are appealing to residents to think back to that day—July 6, 2012—to try and remember anything out of the ordinary.

This weekend marks one year since the death of Vera Pecoraro, the 73-year-old Clark woman found with her throat slit in her Rolling Hill Way home.

While the Union County Homicide Task Force and the Clark Police Department continue the investigation, they are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to an arrest.

Shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2012, Clark Police were called to 15 Rolling Hill Way on reports of a deceased female. When officers arrived, they found Pecoraro in her living room, her throat slit with a serrated knife that was found nearby. July 7 also would have been Pecoraro's 74th birthday. Pecoraro's body was discovered by her son Anthony, who entered the home after he had not heard from his mother on her birthday.

Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Given the nature of the scene, a determination on the manner of death was needed by the Medical Examiner before the prosecutor’s office could treat the case as a homicide and not a possible suicide," Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park said. "However, the county medical examiner determined a 73-year-old woman was the victim of a homicide."

Investigators believe Pecoraro was specifically targeted. There were no signs of a forced entry, Park said. The medical examiner determined Pecoraro likely died on Friday, July 6, 2012.

Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We continue to believe this was not a random act and residents in the area are not in any danger,” Park said. “It is likely, however, that someone out there has information that can lead to the capture of this killer.”

Park said forensic evidence was recovered at the scene and detectives have conducted dozens of interviews in the case and remain vigilant in following every lead. To assist in the investigation, detectives are appealing to residents in the area to think back to that day—July 6 of last year and to try and remember anything out of the ordinary they might have witnessed. The homicide occurred just after the Fourth of July holiday, and the weather was similar to this year—clear skies with the temperatures in the high 90s.

“Maybe it was a car or van that was unfamiliar to the neighborhood, or an unusual sound or activity. The smallest remembered detail can help bring about an arrest and answer many questions,” Park said.

The Union County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for the homicide of Vera Pecoraro. Anonymous calls may be placed to (908) 654-TIPS or online at uctip.org. Additionally, anyone with information may contact Homicide Task Force Detective Terrance Harrison at 908-527-3807.

Patch has received many requests for updated information on this case and will continue to check in with the Union County Prosecutor's Office and Clark Police Department for information.

READ MORE:

VIDEO: More Details on Weapon, Crime Scene, Motives in Clark Homicide


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here