State Department of Corrections spokesman Matt Schuman said Zarinsky, who was convicted in 1975 for the killing of 17-year-old Rosemary Calandriello, died last week of unspecified causes at the age of 68, The (Newark) New Jersey Star-Ledger said Sunday.

Zarinsky had also been linked to series of other killings prior to his incarceration, including 13-year-old Jane Durrua. Durrua disappeared in late 1968 and Zarinsky appeared in court this March to face allegations he may have killed the teenager.

The convicted felon was also suspected of killing a teenage girl in 1969 and two other teenage girls in 1974.

Zarinsky had been tried but acquitted in 2001 for the 1958 killing of Rahway police officer Charles Bernoskie, the Star-Ledger said.

Monmouth Prosecutor Luis Valentin said while Zarinsky's death last Friday at South Woods State Prison would effectively end the Durrua case against the late inmate.

"Because of Zarinsky's death, the jury will never be able to render justice on this case," he said.