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Rockland DA: Murder Suspect Obsessed With Teacher


By

Jen Chung

Published Dec 11, 2009

Modified Dec 11, 2009


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By

Jen Chung

Published Dec 11, 2009

Modified Dec 11, 2009


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Yesterday, Rockland County prosecutor Stephen Moore revealed details about the death of gym teacher Jami Erlich, who authorities say was killed in her Valley Cottage apartment by neighbor Eric Lau. Moore said that Erlich's skull was fractured, "After the beating, he slit her throat almost to the point of decapitation," adding, "We did a search of his apartment. Items belonging to her, including her underwear, were found." Erlich's computer is also missing; it's suspected that Lau, a computer specialist, took it and dumped it while he was evading questioning from the police. Lau, who pleaded not guilty and claims he was at a girlfriend's the night of the murder (but hasn't offered cops the girlfriend's name), is being held on $2.5 million cash bail.

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Eric Lau

Jami Erlich

murder

rockland county


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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