Who killed Joan Colbert and Veronica Roach? Authorities seek public’s help

Long Branch, N.J. — About 100 people gathered at Lippincott Avenue and Halburton Place on Friday night. News had spread quickly that a woman and a 10‑year‑old girl were found dead inside their home. Authorities identified the woman as 62‑year‑old Joan Colbert and her adopted daughter, Veronica Roach.

Who Killed Joan Colbert and Veronica Roach?

Authorities have released few details, but a relative found the woman and girl dead inside their Lippincott Avenue home around 5:22 p.m. Friday.

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

When news spread about the deaths of Joan Colbert and Veronica Roach, the family-oriented neighborhood went into shock.

The Long Branch community can’t believe our beloved Joan and her adopted daughter have been attacked in such a vicious way.

She was like family

Joan was like a big sister to the kids of the community while growing up across from Grant Court. 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 they touched.

Long Branch has lost the value of family. The make up of the community forces for good citizens like Joan and daughter Veronica, whom she took care of since she was 3 months old, to be attacked and murdered.

To the families of Joan Colbert and Veronica Roach, Unheard Voices gives its deepest and sincerest condolences for your loss.

Investigation into who killed Joan Colbert and Veronica Roach

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
• Detective Ross Zotti, of the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400. You can also text “MONMOUTH” to 27463. You 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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