Long Branch Police Continue To Search For Answers After Woman, Foster Daughter Found Dead

Investigators are seeking assistance from the general public as they continue to probe the deaths of a woman and her foster daughter found inside their Long Branch home on Friday, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced Sunday.

Long Branch police responded to a 911 call around 5:22 p.m. on Friday, reporting suspicious circumstances at 61 Lippincott Ave. where they found two people dead in the first floor apartment there. The victims are identified as: Joan Colbert, 62, and her 10-year-old foster daughter Veronica Roach.

An autopsy, performed by Assistant Middlesex County Medical Examiner Dr. Diane Karlik ruled both deaths were the result of homicide.

Investigators are asking anyone with any information that may be important to solving this crime to call Detective Richard Chapman, of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-577-8700, or Detective Ross Zotti, of the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but 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 www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.