EAST BROOKFIELD, Mass. (WHDH) — Amador Roman, a 35-year-old homeless man was arraigned in court Monday morning on multiple charges linked to a fire in Rutland where the homeowner was found dead inside.
The investigation began last Friday morning, following a fast-moving fire on Joanna Drive in Rutland. The victim has since been identified as 53-year-old Diane Lamarche-Leader. The woman was found inside the home after the flames were put out.
The district attorney would soon call the death suspicious. The victim's SUV was missing. Then it was located over the weekend.
Police arrested Roman and he was charged in court with larceny, with receiving stolen property, and also an additional charge of intimidating a witness. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. Prosecutors told the judge that the 35-year-old wasn't cooperating with investigators.
“The defendant is trying to intimidate the witness. He intentionally misled investigators who were looking into the circumstances of the death of Diane Lamarche. The defendant was described in statements to have been evasive with troopers,” said Jeff Travis, prosecutor.
Roman is being held on $25,000 cash bail, and is due back in court next month.