Photo: Vermont State Police
A Vermont man is facing murder charges after being accused of sexually assaulting and killing his 82-year-old neighbor, then burning and burying her remains, authorities said. On Thursday, July 25, Darren Martell, 23, of St. Albans, was arrested and subsequently charged with aggravated murder in connection with the death of Roberta Martin of Enosburgh, Vt., according to a statement from the Vermont State Police.
Martell appeared in St. Albans Court on Friday, July 26, where he pleaded not guilty, as reported by WCAX, the Concord Monitor, and the Associated Press. He entered the plea as Martin’s family and friends, who were “noticeably emotional,” watched the proceedings.
Martin was reported missing by a neighbor on Wednesday, July 17. Martin’s family had last spoken to her by phone the previous night at 11:30 p.m., according to the Vermont State Police. Police labeled her disappearance as “suspicious” in subsequent updates. Investigators found signs of a break-in at her home. The day after Martin vanished, Martell was seen on camera speaking to police.
On Sunday, July 21, Martin’s body was discovered in a wooded area off Sand Hill Road in Enosburgh, near her home, the Vermont State Police said. Martell is alleged to have sexually assaulted Martin before killing her, according to the Vermont State Police. Her remains were then burned and buried, authorities said, NBC 5 reports.
On Monday, July 22, Martell was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious conduct after witnesses reported seeing him masturbating in public. He pleaded not guilty to that charge on Tuesday, July 23, and was held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans on $500 bail. He was still in jail when he was arrested and charged in connection with Martin’s death. Martell is scheduled to return to court next week.
It remains unclear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf. The case has left the community in shock and mourning. Martin’s family and friends are grappling with the tragic loss and the horrific nature of the crime.
Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Martin’s death, aiming to provide justice for the family and ensure community safety. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains united in support of Martin’s family, seeking solace and answers in the wake of this devastating event.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
