Vermont Enacts Robertas Law Making Abuse of a Corpse a Felony Starting July 1

A new Vermont law makes abusing a corpse a felony. The law was created in response to the murder of 82-year-old Roberta Martin last summer. Members of Martin’s family were in the room for a private ceremony with the governor when he signed the law. Darren Martell, 23, is accused of sexually assaulting and killing Martin and then burning her body. The unauthorized burning or removal of a body is already a felony, but the new law adds additional penalties. Martin’s family testified to lawmakers earlier this year to call the measure Roberta’s Law. It will now take effect on July 1.