|
Gaudenzi, Lisa |
BY ELLEN BILTZ
The Virginia State Police arrested a man this morning in the murder of his wife more than 13 years ago.
Lisa Kathy Gaudenzi, who was 31 when she disappeared, has been on missing persons lists since January 1995, but no one was ever charged—until today, when Lawrence Gaudenzi, 44, was arrested for her murder.
No body was ever recovered, but Caroline County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tony Spencer said he would try the case anyway, something that is extremely rare in murder cases of missing persons.
According to state police, Spencer recently presented evidence to a special grand jury, which then returned the indictment for murder.
Spencer, who would not specify yesterday what new evidence had come about to lead to the charge, said Lawrence Gaudenzi would be held at Pamunkey Regional Jail under no bond after today’s arrest in Shenandoah County.
Lisa Gaudenzi, who was last seen with Lawrence Gaudenzi Jan. 26, 1995 in Ruther Glen, was reported missing when she never showed up for scheduled officer training school with the Army.
Originally, the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office handled the case, but the state police began investigating in 1997.
Joe Marto, Lisa Gaudenzi's father, said he's overwhelmed at the news.
"It's a great feeling after all this time to know that I'll get a good night's sleep tonight," he said. "You don't know what a feeling it is."
Marto said he always knew the day would come that Lawrence Gaundenzi would be arrested, but when he finally got that phone call today, he started crying tears of happiness.
"I wanted to bring my daughter's body home to New Jersey," he said. "But at least this is some closure, if not completely."
Online missing person reports state that Lawrence Gaudenzi told police he dropped her off at a Greyhound bus station in Richmond to arrive at Ft. Lee.
It was later determined however, that there was no bus that took that route.
According to online court records, Lawrence Gaudenzi has a long criminal history - in both Virginia and New Jersey - that includes multiple forgeries and perjuries as well as unlawful possession of a firearm.
He will be arraigned on the murder charge in Caroline County Circuit Court next Wednesday, Spencer said.
Ellen Biltz: 540/374-5424
ebiltz@freelancestar.com
