Crime & Safety
Hazlet Man Indicted in 2012 North Middletown Arson Murder
Prosecutors say Darryl E. Petlock set the fire that killed Lynn A. Moretti.
A Monmouth County grand jury indicted a Hazlet man on charges he set the fire that killed 40-year-old Middletown resident Lynn A. Moretti.
Darryl E. Petlock, 36, was charged with murder, arson and two weapons possessions charge in connection with the fatal fire prosecutors say he set to a 160 Jersey Ave. home on Sept. 4, 2012 while Moretti slept inside.
Petlock was taken into custody in George five days later.
Glynn County Police Chief Matt Doering told The Brunswick News that police found Petlock on St. Simons Island after receiving a complaint that he had allegedly been sleeping near the bathroom at Massengale Park. Petlock also allegedly took a a taxi from Jacksonville to St. Simons Island without paying the fare. A subsequent investigation by Georgia authorities revealed that Middletown police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office were looking for Petlock in connection with the murder.
This article contains earlier reporting by Christina Johnson.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
