Carteret Man Convicted in Avenel Arson and Murder

A Carteret man was convicted on Monday on the charges of robbing and strangling a Woodbridge Township woman before setting fire to her home more than two years ago.

Harpal Singh, 48, was found guilty of felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, robbery, aggravated arson and hindering his apprehension in the Feb. 14, 2011 death of Balwinder Kaur, 44, who lived on Jansen Avenue in Avenel, according to a press release from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

Singh broke into the home, strangled Kaur and stole cash and jewelry before setting fire to the house in an attempt to hide the crime, according to the release.

A bystander saw the flames and called police, according the release. 

Singh was arrested outside his home on March 11, 2011. His trial began in September. 

A jury deliberated in New Brunswick for 17 hours over three days before arriving at the decision, the release said. Singh faces a potential sentence of life in prison, and will be sentenced on December 6, according to the release.