Crime & Safety

Death Of Clark Woman Ruled A Homicide

Authorities believe the 73-year-old victim of knife wounds was specifically targeted.

The Union County medical examiner has determined that a 73-year-old woman found dead inside her Clark home over the weekend was the victim of a homicide, Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said during a 1 p.m. press conference today.

At approximately 6:48 p.m. on July 7, the Clark Police Department was called to 15 Rolling Hill Way on reports of a deceased female. When officers arrived they found the owner of the home, Vera Pecoraro, in her living room, the victim of knife wounds. A son of the victim made the discovery, said Romankow.

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 investigation. Prior to the medical examiner's determination late on Sunday, it was treated as a death investigation.

Based on the information available it appears that Pecoraro was specifically targeted. There were no signs of a forced entry, Romankow said. The medical examiner determined that Pecoraro likely died on Friday, July 6.

"There are a number of investigative avenues that the Homicide Task Force is perusing," Romankow said. "We do not believe that residents in the area are in any danger as we do not believe that is this a random act."

The Homicide Task Force is continuing the investigation with the Clark Police Department, Union County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit and the Prosecutor's Office Forensic Laboratory. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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