Authorities announced that based upon an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office - Homicide Unit, the Ringwood Police Department and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, Clinton J. Degroat, 38, of Ringwood, was arrested and charged for the March 8, 2017, shooting death of Nicole Sierra, 38, also of Ringwood.
It is alleged that on March 8, 2017, at approximately 11:54 p.m., Degroat, who had a previous dating relationship with Ms. Sierra, appeared at Ms. Sierra’s residence in Ringwood. It is further alleged that shortly following a brief altercation with a male visitor to Ms. Sierra’s home, Degroat left the home and returned with a shotgun.
It is further alleged that Degroat shot and killed Ms. Sierra through the glass door of her house. A shotgun was recovered near the scene.
Authorities do not anticipate any further danger to the public related to this incident at this time.
Anyone with additional information may also contact the Ringwood Police Department at (973) 962-7017.
Clinton J. Degroat is charged with Murder, first degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree.
If convicted, Degroat faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on the murder charge, and up to ten years of imprisonment with a five-year parole disqualifier on each of the weapons charges.