Long Branch, NJ – About 100 people gathered on the corner of Lipincott and Halburton Avenue on Friday night after news spread wide across the community. Two people were found dead, a woman and an 11-year-old girl.
The woman has been identified as 62-year-old Joan Colbert, and her adopted daughter Veronica Roach.
Authorities have released few details besides the woman and the girl were found dead in their home by a relative around 5:22 p.m. Friday.
An autopsy, performed by Assistant Middlesex County Medical Examiner Dr. Diane Karlik ruled both deaths were the result of homicide
Investigators are seeking assistance from the general public as they continue to probe the deaths, announced Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
When news spread of the death of Joan Colbert and Veronica Roach, the family-like neighborhood went into shock. A long time resident and generation of family members before her can’t believe our beloved Joan and her adopted daughter have been attacked in such a vicious way.
Joan was like a big sister to the kids of the community while growing up across from Grant Court, located on Central Avenue in Long Branch. The Joan that I knew wouldn’t hurt a fly and always had encouraging words to say to me. She saw the potential in me and always asked how I was doing in school and in life. Joan was one of the older kids that you would see at the Long Branch High School football and basketball games cheering on her green wave. The Joan that I knew loved the lord. I always remember all the families heading off to church including the Colbert family. And all the hearts she touched.
Long Branch has lost the value of family and the makeup of the community forces for good citizens like Joan and her precious adopted daughter Veronica, whom she took care since she was 3 months old, to be attacked and murdered.
To the families of Joan Colbert and Veronica Roach, UV gives its deepest and sincere sympathy for your lost.
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 to274637; 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.
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