Man charged with aggravated murder of 82-year-old neighbor after alleged sexual assault

ST. ALBANS, Vermont (WCAX/Gray News) – A Vermont man is facing charges in the death of his 82-year-old neighbor, who police say was sexually assaulted before she was killed.

Darren Martell, 23, appeared in court Friday afternoon where he was charged with the murder of 82-year-old Roberta Martin. He pleaded not guilty, WCAX reports.

“This is a terrible tragedy for our community,” said Franklin County Attorney Bram Kranichfeld.

Martell’s remains were found last Sunday in a wooded area nearly a mile from her Enosburgh home. Police say Martell lived in a trailer next to the victim’s home.

Martell is accused of breaking into Martin’s home and sexually assaulting her before killing her and dumping her body in the woods. He also allegedly attempted to dispose of her remains by burning them.

Members of Martell’s family and close friends were visibly moved when Martell appeared in court in person to answer the charges of aggravated murder.

“My office, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, is committed to holding the perpetrator of this crime accountable and bringing him to justice,” Kranichfeld said.

According to investigators, they were able to extract Martell’s DNA from Martin’s body, linking him to the crime.

“From the fact that this action took place at the same time as the discovery of her remains and her disappearance, the court can conclude that he was also responsible for her killing,” Kranichfeld said.

According to court documents, police found duct tape in Martin’s home and similar duct tape in Martell’s apartment. Traces of a green cart that Martell was carrying and broken plastic were also found in the victim’s home.

The affidavit refers to a police interview with Martell’s girlfriend in which she told them he was abusive. Others also told police they believed Martell was “certainly capable of killing someone.”

The investigation is ongoing.

“We still have evidence that needs to be processed. We are still working with the coroner and reviewing any other search warrants that are still outstanding. A lot of it just takes time,” said Major Dan Trudeau of the Vermont State Police.

If convicted, Martell faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. He is due to appear in court again in the next few days.

Police have confirmed that he has a criminal past.

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