Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that a five-count indictment has been handed up against Eric Lau (DOB 11/17/77) of One Church Lane, Apartment 1-F, Valley Cottage, New York in the death of 32-year-old Jami Erlich of Valley Cottage.

Lau is charged with:

Murder in the Second Degree (Penal Law Section 125.25(1)), a class “A” Felony, in that Eric Lau with intent to cause the death of Jami Erlich did cause the death of Jami Erlich.

Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Penal Law Section 125.25(3)), class “A” Felonies, in that Eric Lau committed the crimes of Burglary and, in the course of and in furtherance of the Burglary and of immediate flight therefrom, he caused the death of Jami Erlich.

Burglary in the First Degree (140.30(2)), class “B” Felonies, in that Eric Lau knowingly entered and remained unlawfully in Jami Erlich’s dwelling with intent to commit a crime therein, and when, in effecting entry and while in the dwelling and in immediate flight therefrom, he caused physical injury to Jami Erlich.

Burglary in the First Degree (140.30 (3)), class “B” Felonies, in that Eric Lau knowingly entered and remained unlawfully in Jami Erlich’s dwelling with intent to commit a crime therein, and when, in effecting entry and while in the dwelling and in immediate flight therefrom, he used a dangerous instrument.

On November 29th, 2009 at approximately 9:30 p.m., the defendant did knowingly enter and remain unlawfully in the victim’s condominium and did intend to commit and cause the murder of the popular elementary school physical education teacher.

The defendant then eluded law enforcement officials for nearly 48 hours following the commission of the crime. Lau was taken into custody by Clarkstown Police on Little Brook Lane and Susan Drive in New City at about 7:30 p.m. December 1, 2009.

The defendant remains remanded at the Rockland County Jail.

Arraignment on the indictment is pending.

Lau faces a maximum of 25 years to life in state prison on the top count of the indictment.

Executive Assistant District Attorney Stephen Moore and Supervising Assistant District Attorney Dominic Crispino will prosecute the case.