MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – We told you last week about Vermont lawmakers working to increase the penalties for murders involving the abuse of a corpse.
The bill comes in response to the July 2024 murder of Roberta Martin, 82, in Enosburgh. Police say she was murdered, sexually assaulted and her remains were burned.
Darren Martell, 23, has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Friday, Martin’s daughter testified before the House Judiciary Committee about how the case has affected her family. She called on lawmakers to pass this bill in honor of her mom.
“I would like for you to consider calling H.41 Roberta’s Law. She was healthy and had a lot more living to do. God didn’t take her, this monster did. But murdering her was not enough. He burned her… No human deserves this, especially one’s mom,” said Pam Harris, Roberta Martin’s daughter.
If the bill passes, a person charged with the new crime would face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Martell faces aggravated murder charges which carry a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted.
