Four individuals have been indicted in the brutal killing and dismemberment of Kerry Rollason, a Toms River man, after a July standoff at his home brought the crime to light. The suspects—Elizabeth C. Mascarelli, 29, of Seaside Heights; Danielle M. Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat; Jared M. Krysiak, 34, of Brick Township; and Jarred Palumbo, 36, of Manchester—were formally charged in connection with Rollason’s death following an extensive investigation led by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
The indictment brings new charges against Mascarelli, who now faces counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Authorities allege that Mascarelli, armed with weapons including a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun, a 9mm handgun, and a hatchet, was primarily responsible for Rollason’s death.
The indictment also includes charges of unlawful possession of a weapon, hindering apprehension, and desecration of human remains.
The investigation initially suggested that another individual, Maxwell Johnston, was responsible for Rollason’s death, but further evidence pointed to Mascarelli’s involvement. Prosecutor Billhimer stated that Mascarelli conspired with Johnston, ultimately bearing primary responsibility for the killing.
Authorities now believe that Mascarelli, along with Bolstad and Krysiak, helped Johnston dismember Rollason’s body, while Mascarelli, Bolstad, Krysiak, and Palumbo assisted Johnston in disposing of the remains in Jackson Township.
The chilling details came to light after police arrived at Rollason’s home at 1905 Ravenwood Drive on July 5, seeking Johnston in connection with the June 27 killing of Gabriella Caroleo, 25, of Manchester. Bolstad, Krysiak, and Palumbo quickly left the residence, but Mascarelli remained inside with Johnston during a tense seven-hour standoff. Johnston, identified as a high-ranking member of the Bloods gang, ultimately took his own life, ending the standoff.
Subsequent investigations then revealed Rollason’s killing, which authorities believe occurred on or around July 3. Evidence recovered from the scene included photos of Mascarelli and Johnston posing with Rollason’s partially dismembered body.
In one particularly disturbing image, Mascarelli was seen gripping a hatchet with its blade embedded in Rollason’s chest. Further searches led to the discovery of body parts in black bags at a property in Jackson, along with a hatchet authorities believe was used in the crime.
An autopsy confirmed Rollason’s cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma. Despite the detailed investigation, officials have not disclosed a motive for Rollason’s killing or the circumstances that led to the suspects gathering at his home.
Mascarelli, Bolstad, and Krysiak remain in Ocean County Jail since their arrest, while Palumbo, initially charged in July, was released on a summons.