FREEHOLD – The victim is still missing, but a jury has concluded that her roommate murdered her, said the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the indictment, Ronald Teschner and Jacqueline Terrulli lived at 86 Wickapecko Drive in Ocean Township, Monmouth County. According to real estate listings, this house has five bedrooms and is a rental property. Officials responded to a fire at the residence on Sept. 12, 2019, which led to further investigation.
Terrulli, 65, has not been seen since before then, and the search for her continues, police said.
The morning of the fire, her 2019 Jeep Cherokee was seen at 8 a.m. leaving the county, police said. Teschner was found in the Jeep in Paterson the next day. Inside the vehicle was clothing, shotguns, jewelry and lawn equipment all belonging to Terrulli.
Following this, it was learned that Teschner was responsible for her disappearance and death, as well as the fire.
Teschner, 49, was charged with first degree Murder, first degree Felony Murder, first degree Robbery, second degree Burglary, second degree Arson, third degree Aggravated Assault, second degree Disturbing Human Remains, three counts of third degree Theft, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, fourth degree Resisting Arrest, third degree Resisting Arrest, two counts of first degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and second degree Certain Person’s Not to Possess a Weapon.
Despite the indictment, Teschner is considered innocent until convicted.
Anyone who has information to share is urged to contact Detective Patrick Petruzziello of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at (800) 533-7443 and/or Detective Chris Brady of the Ocean Township Police Department at 732-531-1800.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous, but who has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.
