VIDEO: Clark Police Captain Discusses Homicide at Council Meeting, Investigation Ongoing

At Tuesday night's Clark Council meeting, Clark Police Captain and Officer-in-Charge Alan Scherb discussed the homicide investigation into the death of Vera Pecoraro on July 7.

Pecoraro was found with her throat slit on a couch in the home she lived in alone on Rolling Hill Way. Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said at a press conference that the scene showed no sign of forced entry and that investigators believe the attack was targeted and Pecoraro knew her attacker.

"As you are aware, two Saturdays ago officers responded to a house on Rolling Hill Way on report of a female deceased in the house," said Scherb. "Upon arrival, officers saw a female deceased on the couch. They did take notice that it did appear to be suspicious in nature, and I was immediately notified."

Scherb said that after an extended autopsy, he was notified the next day that the death was being ruled a homicide.

Scherb advised residents to not listen to the rumors and speculation they hear on the streets about the incident. 

"Right now, there are a lot of speculations and theories as to what happened, who’s involved and a lot of rumors to it," said Scherb. "I’m here to let you know, and the citizens of this town, that what you hear on the streets or in the newspaper are strictly rumors. There are no factual basis to them and it’s an ongoing investigation. I am being updated daily as to the outcome of this investigation and when something factual that needs to be broadcast needs to be released, we will do that."

Scherb added that residents shouldn't be afraid given this incident.

"This community is a safe community," said Scherb. "We feel she was targeted and this is not a random act. This is a safe community, still is and still will be a safe community to live in."

The Union County Homicide Task Force has been working through the night as they continue their investigation while also working two other active homicide investigations in the county – the shooting death of a Linden teen and the stabbing of a 17-year-old during a large fight in Rahway.

According to the Union County Prosecutor's office, police still have not ruled out anyone as a suspect and the investigation is ongoing. Investigators are also awaiting the results of forensic evidence that was collected from the crime scene.

Read more on this:

Be the first to know. Stay up to the minute on the latest Clark and Garwood news by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter.