Crime, Regional Interest

Prosecutor: Man Indicted in Missing Woman’s Murder

A Monmouth County grand jury has returned a 16-count indictment against an Ocean Township man in connection with the murder of a woman who went missing in September of 2019, Ronald Teschner stemming from the murder of Jacqueline Terrulli, 65, who went missing on Sept. 12, 2019, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Tuesday.

Ronald Teschner, 49, of Ocean Township, has been indicted on the following charges in connection with the murder of 65-year-old Jacqueline Terrulli: first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree robbery, second-degree burglary, second-degree arson, third-degree aggravated assault, second-degree disturbing human remains, three counts of third-degree theft, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, fourth-degree resisting arrest, third-degree resisting arrest, two counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree certain person’s not to possess a weapon.

The case background …

Ocean Township police and fire departments responded to a report at 7:32 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2019, of a fire at 86 Wickapecko Drive in the township. Upon arrival, authorities found the roughly 6,000-square-foot residence completely engulfed in flames. 

Once the fire was extinguished, a joint investigation was launched by the Ocean Township Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office. As a result of the investigation, police determined that two residents, Teschner and Terrulli, along with Terrulli’s 2019 Jeep Cherokee, were missing.  The investigation also revealed that the vehicle was last seen leaving the Monmouth County area at approximately 8 a.m. that morning.

In the early morning hours of Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, Teschner was found in Paterson alone in Terrulli’s vehicle. The vehicle contained various items including clothing, shotguns, jewelry and lawn equipment all belonging to Terrulli.

To date, Jacqueline Terrulli’s remains have not been located.  However, the investigation uncovered that Teschner was responsible for her disappearance and her death, as well as the fire that destroyed 86 Wickapecko Drive in Ocean Township.

The investigative team and numerous supporting agencies are still in active search of Jacqueline Terrulli’s remains.

If convicted of Murder, Teschner faces the possibility of life in prison without parole.

Teschner is currently lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

Anyone who has information to share is urged to contact Detective Patrick Petruzziello of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443 and/or Detective Chris Brady of the Ocean Township Police Department at 732-531-1800.  

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous, but who 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.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office