The Hazlet man suspected of murdering a woman in a Middletown house and, trying to cover it up by torching it, reaches the end of his flight from police in Georgia.

Middletown fire
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Darryl E. Petlock, also known as Isa Maajid, is charged with first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and second-degree aggravated arson.

Charges were filed Monday after Monmouth County investigators were notified of his Sunday arrest on an unrelated count in Brunswick, Georgia. Monmouth Superior Court Judge Anthony Mellaci set bail at $2,500,000, with no option for release on payment of 10 percent. Petlock waived extradition today.

The probe began after Middletown Police got an emergency call September 4 regarding a fire at 160 Jersey Avenue. The body of Lynn A. Moretti, 40, was found inside after the flames were squelched.

Investigators later ruled her death a homicide, and determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Authorities have not indicated what relationship may have existed between the suspect and the victim, nor the cause or manner of her death.

If convicted of murder at trial, Petlock would face at least 30 years in prison with 30 years of parole ineligibility. He risks another 10 years if convicted of the arson count.  A conviction on the weapons charge would mean prison time of up to five years.

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