Man Held In Theft Of SUV From Woman Found Dead

A 35-year-old man accused of stealing an SUV from the Rutland home of a woman found dead after a suspicious fire has been ordered held on $25,000 bail.

The Telegram & Gazette of Worcester reports that Amador Roman pleaded not guilty Monday to charges including car theft.

The death of 53-year-old Diane Lamarche-Leader has been ruled a homicide, but no one is charged. Documents in the case have been sealed.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Travers said Lamarche-Leader was a nurse who helped people with substance abuse problems, and Roman, who is homeless, had been staying at her home. Court records show Roman served a short jail term earlier this year for a Worcester assault conviction related to a fight.

Travers said the SUV belonged to Lamarche-Leader's ex-husband, who gave her exclusive use of it.