Robert Zarinsky
New Jersey Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Monmouth County, New Jersey
TIME PERIOD
1965-1969
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Robert Zarinsky, an American serial killer, was convicted in 1975 for the murder of 17-year-old Rose Calandriello in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also linked to the murders of two other teenage girls and was a suspect in several additional homicides spanning from 1965 to 1974. The case remains partially unsolved, as DNA evidence has since implicated him in the 1965 murder of Mary Agnes Klinsky, but he died in prison in 2008 before facing trial for other charges.
Theories surrounding Robert Zarinsky suggest that he may have been involved in more murders than he was convicted of, as he was a prime suspect in several other cases and claimed he could solve up to ten homicides. Additionally, the emergence of DNA evidence linking him to the 1965 murder of Mary Agnes Klinsky raises speculation about his potential involvement in other unsolved cases. Community discussions often focus on the possibility that Zarinsky's psychiatric history and manipulative behavior may have influenced the outcomes of his trials and the investigations into his other suspected crimes.
Robert Zarinsky
Overview
Robert “Bob” Zarinsky (September 2, 1940 – November 28, 2008) was an American serial killer notorious for the brutal murders of three teenage girls in Monmouth County, New Jersey, during the late 1960s. His crimes not only horrified the local community but also left an indelible mark on the criminal landscape of the region. Convicted of one murder and suspected in several others, Zarinsky's life and criminal history are filled with chilling twists and dark revelations.
Quick Facts
- Born: September 2, 1940, Linden, New Jersey, US
- Died: November 28, 2008 (aged 68), South Woods State Prison, Bridgeton, New Jersey, U.S.
- Conviction: Murder
- Criminal Penalty: Life imprisonment
- Victims: 3–10 (suspected)
- Span of Crimes: 1965 – 1974 (possibly earlier)
- Country: United States
- State: New Jersey
- Date Apprehended: February 22, 1975
Criminal History and Death
Zarinsky's criminal journey is complex, beginning with a series of lesser offenses and multiple stays in psychiatric institutions. His path to infamy culminated in several high-profile murder cases:
- 1975: Zarinsky was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1969 murder of 17-year-old Rose Calandriello from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey.
- 2001: He was acquitted in the murder of Rahway police officer Chuck Bernoskie, who was killed in the line of duty in 1958.
- 2008: An indictment was issued for the 1968 murder of 13-year-old Jane Durrua from Middletown, New Jersey, based on new evidence.
- 2016: DNA evidence linked Zarinsky to the 1965 murder of 18-year-old Mary Agnes Klinsky of Raritan High School.
He was also the prime suspect in the murders of several other young women between 1969 and 1974, including:
- Linda Balabanow, 17, Union Township, NJ
- Doreen Carlucci, 14, Woodbridge Township, NJ
- Joanne Delardo, 15, Woodbridge Township, NJ
- Ann Logan, 19, Elizabeth, NJ
Intriguingly, Zarinsky often claimed he could solve up to ten homicides, presumably hoping to leverage this information for a more lenient sentence.
The Calandriello Murder
The case of Rosemary Calandriello is particularly haunting. On August 25, 1969, the 17-year-old girl disappeared, and her body was never found. Despite this, Zarinsky was convicted in 1975, making him the first person in New Jersey to be convicted of murder without the victim's body. The conviction was upheld on appeal. In 1988, Zarinsky made conflicting claims about Calandriello's fate, suggesting he had either accidentally killed her and buried her in northwest New Jersey or dumped her body into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Bernoskie Case
In a twist of fate, Zarinsky was tried and acquitted in 2001 for the murder of police officer Charles Bernoskie. The officer was shot while responding to a burglary at Miller Pontiac in Rahway. Zarinsky and his cousin, Theodore Schiffer, were implicated in the crime. Although Schiffer’s fingerprint was eventually matched to the scene, it wasn't until 1999 that he was linked to the case.
The allegations against Zarinsky were bolstered by testimony from his sister, Judith Sapsa, who claimed to have helped remove bullets from both men on the night of the murder. She testified that Zarinsky had confessed to her about shooting the officer. However, the credibility of both witnesses was heavily questioned, leading to Zarinsky’s acquittal.
In a subsequent civil case, Elizabeth Bernoskie, the widow of the slain officer, sought damages from Zarinsky and was awarded $9.5 million. However, this judgment was later reversed, leading to significant financial distress for Bernoskie and efforts from law enforcement associations to support her.
The Durrua Murder
On March 11, 2008, a grand jury indicted Zarinsky for the murder of 13-year-old Jane Durrua, based on DNA evidence. Durrua had gone missing on November 4, 1968, and her body was discovered the next day in a field in Middletown. This indictment added another layer of horror to Zarinsky's already grim legacy.
The Klinsky Murder
The case took another shocking turn on February 17, 2016, when the New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit announced that DNA evidence had definitively linked Zarinsky to the 1965 murder of Mary Agnes Klinsky. Klinsky had been brutally raped and beaten to death, her body found near Telegraph Hill Park in Holmdel. The revelation showcased the enduring impact of forensic science in solving cold cases and gave closure to many families who had suffered for decades.
Zarinsky's Death
Tragically, on November 28, 2008, just before he could stand trial for the Durrua murder, Robert Zarinsky died at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey, from pulmonary fibrosis. His death marked the end of a long and convoluted criminal saga that left a community grappling with the darkness he brought into their lives.
Conclusion
Robert Zarinsky's life and crimes reveal the complex nature of serial murder and the challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing justice to victims and their families. His story intertwines with the lives of several young women who were brutally taken too soon, leaving a lasting legacy of pain and unanswered questions.
Sources
- Craven, Laura. "Suspected serial killer Robert Zarinsky dies in prison." The Star-Ledger, November 30, 2008.
- Sparta, Christine. "Suspected Linden serial killer Zarinsky dead in prison at 68." Courier News, November 29, 2008.
- Fisher, Robin Gaby; Lucas, Judith. "Deadly Secrets." The Star-Ledger, August 2007.
- Staff. "DNA Links Suspected Serial Killer to Teen's 1965 Murder in New Jersey." WABC-TV, February 17, 2016.
- Ford, Andrew. "After 50 years, family learns serial killer murdered teen." Asbury Park Press, February 17, 2016.
- Feuer, Alan. "Killer's House Is Searched for Clues in Other Slayings." The New York Times, August 20, 1999.
- Gallo, Joseph. "Robert Zarinsky." Crime Library, Court TV, October 2005.
- State of New Jersey v. Robert Zarinsky, 362 A.2d 611 (N.J. Super. 1976).
- Good, Meaghan Elizabeth. "Rosemary K. Calandriello." The Charley Project, March 10, 2011.
- Craven, Laura. "Suspected serial killer Zarinsky indicted in Monmouth girl's murder." The Star-Ledger, March 17, 2008.
- Zurzola, Amy. "Who Killed Jane?" Asbury Park Press, May 14, 2000.
For a deeper dive into Robert Zarinsky's chilling story, you can check out the original Wikipedia article here.
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First Murder Linked
Mary Agnes Klinsky, 18, is found murdered in Holmdel, NJ.
Jane Durrua Disappears
13-year-old Jane Durrua goes missing; her body is found the next day.
Rose Calandriello Disappears
17-year-old Rosemary Calandriello disappears; her body is never found.
Life Sentence
Zarinsky is sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Calandriello.
Zarinsky Arrested
Robert Zarinsky is arrested and later convicted for the murder of Rose Calandriello.
Acquitted of Officer's Murder
Zarinsky is acquitted of the 1958 murder of police officer Chuck Bernoskie.
Indicted for Durrua Murder
Zarinsky is indicted for the 1968 murder of Jane Durrua based on DNA evidence.
Zarinsky's Death
Robert Zarinsky dies in prison before he can stand trial for the Durrua murder.
DNA Links to Klinsky
New DNA evidence links Zarinsky to the 1965 murder of Mary Agnes Klinsky.
Robert Zarinsky, an American serial killer, was convicted in 1975 for the murder of 17-year-old Rose Calandriello in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also linked to the murders of two other teenage girls and was a suspect in several additional homicides spanning from 1965 to 1974. The case remains partially unsolved, as DNA evidence has since implicated him in the 1965 murder of Mary Agnes Klinsky, but he died in prison in 2008 before facing trial for other charges.
Theories surrounding Robert Zarinsky suggest that he may have been involved in more murders than he was convicted of, as he was a prime suspect in several other cases and claimed he could solve up to ten homicides. Additionally, the emergence of DNA evidence linking him to the 1965 murder of Mary Agnes Klinsky raises speculation about his potential involvement in other unsolved cases. Community discussions often focus on the possibility that Zarinsky's psychiatric history and manipulative behavior may have influenced the outcomes of his trials and the investigations into his other suspected crimes.
Robert Zarinsky
Overview
Robert “Bob” Zarinsky (September 2, 1940 – November 28, 2008) was an American serial killer notorious for the brutal murders of three teenage girls in Monmouth County, New Jersey, during the late 1960s. His crimes not only horrified the local community but also left an indelible mark on the criminal landscape of the region. Convicted of one murder and suspected in several others, Zarinsky's life and criminal history are filled with chilling twists and dark revelations.
Quick Facts
- Born: September 2, 1940, Linden, New Jersey, US
- Died: November 28, 2008 (aged 68), South Woods State Prison, Bridgeton, New Jersey, U.S.
- Conviction: Murder
- Criminal Penalty: Life imprisonment
- Victims: 3–10 (suspected)
- Span of Crimes: 1965 – 1974 (possibly earlier)
- Country: United States
- State: New Jersey
- Date Apprehended: February 22, 1975
Criminal History and Death
Zarinsky's criminal journey is complex, beginning with a series of lesser offenses and multiple stays in psychiatric institutions. His path to infamy culminated in several high-profile murder cases:
- 1975: Zarinsky was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1969 murder of 17-year-old Rose Calandriello from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey.
- 2001: He was acquitted in the murder of Rahway police officer Chuck Bernoskie, who was killed in the line of duty in 1958.
- 2008: An indictment was issued for the 1968 murder of 13-year-old Jane Durrua from Middletown, New Jersey, based on new evidence.
- 2016: DNA evidence linked Zarinsky to the 1965 murder of 18-year-old Mary Agnes Klinsky of Raritan High School.
He was also the prime suspect in the murders of several other young women between 1969 and 1974, including:
- Linda Balabanow, 17, Union Township, NJ
- Doreen Carlucci, 14, Woodbridge Township, NJ
- Joanne Delardo, 15, Woodbridge Township, NJ
- Ann Logan, 19, Elizabeth, NJ
Intriguingly, Zarinsky often claimed he could solve up to ten homicides, presumably hoping to leverage this information for a more lenient sentence.
The Calandriello Murder
The case of Rosemary Calandriello is particularly haunting. On August 25, 1969, the 17-year-old girl disappeared, and her body was never found. Despite this, Zarinsky was convicted in 1975, making him the first person in New Jersey to be convicted of murder without the victim's body. The conviction was upheld on appeal. In 1988, Zarinsky made conflicting claims about Calandriello's fate, suggesting he had either accidentally killed her and buried her in northwest New Jersey or dumped her body into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Bernoskie Case
In a twist of fate, Zarinsky was tried and acquitted in 2001 for the murder of police officer Charles Bernoskie. The officer was shot while responding to a burglary at Miller Pontiac in Rahway. Zarinsky and his cousin, Theodore Schiffer, were implicated in the crime. Although Schiffer’s fingerprint was eventually matched to the scene, it wasn't until 1999 that he was linked to the case.
The allegations against Zarinsky were bolstered by testimony from his sister, Judith Sapsa, who claimed to have helped remove bullets from both men on the night of the murder. She testified that Zarinsky had confessed to her about shooting the officer. However, the credibility of both witnesses was heavily questioned, leading to Zarinsky’s acquittal.
In a subsequent civil case, Elizabeth Bernoskie, the widow of the slain officer, sought damages from Zarinsky and was awarded $9.5 million. However, this judgment was later reversed, leading to significant financial distress for Bernoskie and efforts from law enforcement associations to support her.
The Durrua Murder
On March 11, 2008, a grand jury indicted Zarinsky for the murder of 13-year-old Jane Durrua, based on DNA evidence. Durrua had gone missing on November 4, 1968, and her body was discovered the next day in a field in Middletown. This indictment added another layer of horror to Zarinsky's already grim legacy.
The Klinsky Murder
The case took another shocking turn on February 17, 2016, when the New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit announced that DNA evidence had definitively linked Zarinsky to the 1965 murder of Mary Agnes Klinsky. Klinsky had been brutally raped and beaten to death, her body found near Telegraph Hill Park in Holmdel. The revelation showcased the enduring impact of forensic science in solving cold cases and gave closure to many families who had suffered for decades.
Zarinsky's Death
Tragically, on November 28, 2008, just before he could stand trial for the Durrua murder, Robert Zarinsky died at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey, from pulmonary fibrosis. His death marked the end of a long and convoluted criminal saga that left a community grappling with the darkness he brought into their lives.
Conclusion
Robert Zarinsky's life and crimes reveal the complex nature of serial murder and the challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing justice to victims and their families. His story intertwines with the lives of several young women who were brutally taken too soon, leaving a lasting legacy of pain and unanswered questions.
Sources
- Craven, Laura. "Suspected serial killer Robert Zarinsky dies in prison." The Star-Ledger, November 30, 2008.
- Sparta, Christine. "Suspected Linden serial killer Zarinsky dead in prison at 68." Courier News, November 29, 2008.
- Fisher, Robin Gaby; Lucas, Judith. "Deadly Secrets." The Star-Ledger, August 2007.
- Staff. "DNA Links Suspected Serial Killer to Teen's 1965 Murder in New Jersey." WABC-TV, February 17, 2016.
- Ford, Andrew. "After 50 years, family learns serial killer murdered teen." Asbury Park Press, February 17, 2016.
- Feuer, Alan. "Killer's House Is Searched for Clues in Other Slayings." The New York Times, August 20, 1999.
- Gallo, Joseph. "Robert Zarinsky." Crime Library, Court TV, October 2005.
- State of New Jersey v. Robert Zarinsky, 362 A.2d 611 (N.J. Super. 1976).
- Good, Meaghan Elizabeth. "Rosemary K. Calandriello." The Charley Project, March 10, 2011.
- Craven, Laura. "Suspected serial killer Zarinsky indicted in Monmouth girl's murder." The Star-Ledger, March 17, 2008.
- Zurzola, Amy. "Who Killed Jane?" Asbury Park Press, May 14, 2000.
For a deeper dive into Robert Zarinsky's chilling story, you can check out the original Wikipedia article here.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder Linked
Mary Agnes Klinsky, 18, is found murdered in Holmdel, NJ.
Jane Durrua Disappears
13-year-old Jane Durrua goes missing; her body is found the next day.
Rose Calandriello Disappears
17-year-old Rosemary Calandriello disappears; her body is never found.
Life Sentence
Zarinsky is sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Calandriello.
Zarinsky Arrested
Robert Zarinsky is arrested and later convicted for the murder of Rose Calandriello.
Acquitted of Officer's Murder
Zarinsky is acquitted of the 1958 murder of police officer Chuck Bernoskie.
Indicted for Durrua Murder
Zarinsky is indicted for the 1968 murder of Jane Durrua based on DNA evidence.
Zarinsky's Death
Robert Zarinsky dies in prison before he can stand trial for the Durrua murder.
DNA Links to Klinsky
New DNA evidence links Zarinsky to the 1965 murder of Mary Agnes Klinsky.