Husband Shoots, Dismembers Wife on Anniversary Trip
When Joseph and Emily Jean Ferlazzo set out for a scenic getaway in Vermont, it was supposed to be a celebration — their first wedding anniversary. Instead, the journey ended in senseless tragedy.
A Celebration Gone Wrong
In October 2021, the couple traveled from New Hampshire to Bolton, Vermont, converting a bus into a camper for their anniversary trip. But shortly after they arrived, things took a dark turn. Following a reported argument, Joseph, then 41, returned home without Emily. He claimed that she had walked away after a disagreement and never came back.
Emily's family, unconvinced by his explanation, reported her missing. Their concern proved tragically warranted. Authorities later found her dismembered remains inside the camper bathroom.
The Confession and the Crime Scene
Joseph Ferlazzo later admitted to killing Emily inside the camper, according to Vermont State Police.
He told investigators he shot her twice, then dismembered her body. During his trial, Ferlazzo claimed he acted in self-defense and recalled only a single flash of stabbing her leg before the memory went blank.
The state, however, presented evidence that contradicted Ferlazzo's claims. Prosecutors argued the act was premeditated and cited a history of abuse in the relationship. The jury took less than two hours to convict him of first-degree murder.
In the Courtroom
At sentencing in April 2025, the courtroom in Burlington was packed with Emily's loved ones, many wearing shirts that read "End Domestic Violence" across the back.
Her parents and best friend shared emotional statements about her life and the profound loss they continue to feel.
"Emily was my whole world and she convinced me that I was in jeopardy. I reacted too aggressively and has been the worst mistake in the history of my time. Wishing anything else would have played out is a part of every day since," Ferlazzo told the court, as he attempted once again to frame the killing as a tragic overreaction, according to WCAX.
The prosecution called those remarks "disgusting," arguing that they were just another example of Ferlazzo's refusal to take full responsibility for his actions.
Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George asked the judge for a sentence of 50 years to life. Instead, the court imposed 42.5 years — still without the possibility of parole.
Judge John Pacht said Ferlazzo's testimony was not credible and emphasized that Emily was the only victim in the case.
Remembering Emily
Emily Jean Schwarz was just 22 years old. Her obituary described her as a "beautiful, aspiring singer" who wanted to become a cosmetologist, according to PEOPLE.
Friends remembered her for her vibrant spirit and determination, even during personal struggles.
Her best friend, Lauren Echelberger, composed and performed a song in her honor at the sentencing hearing, bringing many in the courtroom to tears.
Her family said knowing that Ferlazzo would spend the rest of his life in prison was the only acceptable outcome. "The verdict couldn't be any better. The only thing that could make it better would be to have my daughter back in my arms and alive," Schwarz's mother Adrienne Bass said, according to NBC 5. She continued, "For me it was really just relief and feeling like we got the justice that Emily deserves."
A Call for Awareness
While Ferlazzo's legal team plans to appeal the conviction, Emily's family hopes her story will serve as a wake-up call about the dangers of domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is at risk, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org.
References: Man Convicted of Dismembering Wife During Anniversary Trip, Leaving Remains in Camper Bathroom | Man Sentenced for Murdering Wife During Anniversary Trip in Vermont | Joseph Ferlazzo Sentenced for Murdering Wife During Anniversary Trip to Vermont | Jury finds Joseph Ferlazzo guilty of first degree murder
