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Body ID'ed in Rutland fire, death ruled homicide

RUTLAND, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The body found in a three-alarm house fire in Rutland Friday has been identified, and the medical examiner has ruled the woman's death a homicide.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. announced Sunday that the body found in the fire at 2 Joanna Dr. was that of 53-year-old Diane Lamarche-Leader. Though the death has been ruled a homicide, the cause remains under investigation, Early said.

Firefighters responded to the home after getting calls from neighbors reporting smoke coming from the structure. Lamarche-Leader was found on the first floor.

Additionally, the 2004 Toyota Highlander registered to Lamarche-Leader had been reported missing from her home and has now been recovered. Amador Roman, a 35-year-old homeless man, has been charged with larceny over $250 and receiving stolen property (motor vehicle).

Early said Roman will be arraigned Monday in East Brookfield District Court, but did not release any more details about the charges or say if more charges would be forthcoming.

Lamarche-Leader's best friend told FOX 25 that the murdered woman was in the middle of a bitter divorce and her children lived with her estranged husband. Police said Lamarche-Leader was supposed to move out of her home the day her body was found.

The fire has been deemed suspicious and an investigation is ongoing.