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Trial Underway for New Hampshire Man Accused of Killing Wife During Anniversary Trip
BURLINGTON, Vt. (Court TV) — The trial of Joseph Ferlazzo, a New Hampshire man accused of murdering his wife, Emily, is in full swing in Vermont. The disturbing case dates back to October 2021 when the couple was in Vermont celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Following the trip, Joseph returned alone, claiming that 22-year-old Emily had left after they had an argument, prompting her family to report her missing.
Investigators later established that Joseph confessed to shooting Emily twice during a heated dispute and subsequently dismembering her body. Emily’s remains were later discovered in the couple’s camper van. Joseph has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, asserting that he acted in self-defense during the altercation. He is facing a life sentence if convicted.
During the trial, the prosecution painted a picture of a man driven by "ego," who attempted to manipulate the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death. They detailed a chilling confession from Joseph, who claimed he jumped on his wife and shot her after she threatened him with a gun.
The defense countered these claims, with lawyer Margaret “Peggy” Jansch arguing that Joseph shot Emily in self-defense after she allegedly reached for a firearm. Joseph’s friend, Spencer Lemons, testified about Joseph’s confession of the murder, while testimonies from family members shed light on a history of domestic violence in the relationship.
In a related civil lawsuit, Joseph was ordered to pay $1.5 million to Emily’s family for wrongful death, emphasizing the complex and tragic nature of this case as the trial progresses.
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