Murder suspect nabbed in West Amwell

Adam Narducci was arrested at his aunt’s house on Route 179 on charges of being an accessory to murder in Florida.

By: Linda Seida
   WEST AMWELL — A fugitive from Florida wanted as an accessory to murder was arrested at a relative’s house on Route 179 Tuesday.
   Suspect Adam J. Narducci, 27, of the Sarasota, Fla., area was taken into custody at his aunt’s house at about 8 a.m. by West Amwell policeman Tim Vanselous with backup from Lambertville policeman Ken Housman.
   The woman in the house, who police would not identify because they said she is a potential witness, called the county emergency 911 system. She called after Mr. Narducci tried to enter through a back door and, when that failed, a window. When officers arrived, they saw the stolen car he was believed to be driving parked in the driveway.
   It took officers only about 10 seconds to arrive at the house because they already were in the area. They drew their shotguns and had them in hand when they saw Mr. Narducci running around the house from the back.
   "He ran around the back of the house full bore directly at us," Officer Housman said. "We drew down with our shotguns and told him not to move. He was taken with no problem at all."
   Police received a notice from the Sarasota Sheriff’s Department less than 24 hours before the arrest that he may have been headed to the area. They were warned he was armed.
   "Sure as heck, he turns up this morning," Police Director Bruce Cocuzza said Tuesday.
   Florida authorities had charged Mr. Narducci with accessory after the fact for murder and grand theft auto. The accessory charge carries a $100,000 bond, and the theft charge carries a $5,000 bond. He likely will face additional charges in New Jersey.
   He was wanted for "a heinous murder, whatever the extent of his involvement," Mr. Cocuzza said.
   Authorities say Mr. Narducci helped his roommate dispose of the body of Marlys A. Welp, 53. The body was found last week in a suitcase in the Peace River.
   Florida authorities arrested Mr. Narducci’s Florida roommate, Scott E. Haas, on Saturday and charged him with murder. He was transported to the Sarasota County Jail with no bond.
   No weapon was found on Mr. Narducci, who remained in the custody of the Hunterdon County prosecutor’s office Tuesday afternoon.
   Investigators have executed a search warrant for the stolen car. It was undetermined at press time if a weapon or valuables were stashed in the vehicle, a Chrysler Sebring that belonged to the murder victim.