Erin Moriarty: Wasn't she even hospitalized a little bit? She is not here for me to hug and kiss and love, not here. Judge Kim Tesla ordered the man to pay thousands in prosecution fees and restitution. WHAT CAN YOU DO: If you have information on this crime, any serious crime, or wanted person, call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. That's probably why Rachael's former fianc, Frank Catroppa, was one of the first people questioned by police. When "48 Hours" asked, officials wouldn't confirm or deny whether Frank Catroppa is a person of interest in Rachael's murder or whether he, Sheldon Jeter or anyone else has been cleared. There are multiple theories about who did it and why, including one that someone in the local police department was responsible. Chief Joe Perciavalle: I asked if they did a report. Law enforcement agencies use the companys Snapshot DNA Phenotyping Service (Snapshot) to narrow suspect lists and generate leads in criminal investigations. And it is extraordinary that this person made it on the jury., Crime video series:Video: New true-crime podcast, "Return To View," set to debut July 28. Lisa DelTondo: That was the most negative --. Two murders that occurred two years apart in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, stunned the tight-knit community and left them with many questions. June 30, 2022 . After an elementary school teacher was gunned down in her Aliquippa driveway on Mother's Day 2018, police had no trouble finding people to question. Is that fair? Investigators, writers and online sleuths continue to puzzle over the case and advance theories. The unknown driver and vehicle fled the scene of the accident. . He was planning to retire at the end of 2005, with 20 years of service. Frank Catroppa: I was kinda just -- just shocked. Frank Catroppa: It wasn't Rachael, I don't believe, that didn't want to sign it. Joe DelTondo: He tried to ruin my daughter and my family. Asst. How could I do corruption? Frank Catroppa: Yeah. She had been driving cross country to meet a friend in New Jersey. Erin Moriarty: Did you have anything to do, at all, with her death? Reports like this are not immediately accessible; to obtain one it requires a formal request. I'm not a city official. When he was about to leave, his eyes were watery. ", Frank Catroppa denies any involvement in Rachael DelTondo's death. Jen Glovan: And I just sat there and I read it and I was like, "Oh, my God." On May 13, 2018, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was unexpectedly rocked with shock. That night, there would be no bedside report. District Attorney David Lozier told "48 Hours" an announcement will be made when they believe they can win a case beyond reasonable doubt. She was also known to frequent Gables Truck Stop. During jury selection, she revealed she was in the process of divorcing a distant relative of Jeter, too. Descubr lo que tu empresa podra llegar a alcanzar. And --. Jeter, although never named a suspect in the unsolved murder, was questioned in the case. A motive is unknown at this time,. Michael Santicola: It didn't start in the car they had a relationship going on for quite some time. Rachael DelTondo's death is the ninth unsolved murder in her hometown of Aliquippa. Asst. It was late at night and she was with high school student Sheldon Jeter Jr. Rachael told the officers they were friends and just talking, but police also say she told them she didn't want her fianc to know. On November 10, 1994, Rod Hager was shot in the back while outside laying concrete block; building his garage at his residence located along Nices Hollow Road, Porter Township, Lycoming County. But John Paul says Rachael offered no proof. Lisa DelTondo, infuriated at what had been done to her daughter, decided to take things into her own hands and turned once more to the media. Pughs younger sister, Layla Willis, said shes still in shock and disbelief over the death of her brother. That was like our thing. At 5:30 a.m. the following morning Wells' rental car was found out of gas and abandoned in the middle of Route 274 near New Germantown in Perry County, 35 miles from the motel. . Erin Moriarty: And, at first, were you happy with the relationship? I don't want him to think that I want him just for his money.". Jen Gloven [crying]: She grabbed my hand and she just said, "You know, please just don't tell anybody this. Frank Catroppa: You know, I was more confused than anything. In fact, I told both sides that, at the end of the day, my objective was that council was going to pick this case. It don't take five years. An investigation into the man's death and his identity was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, Criminal Investigation Unit, at which time it was called the Troop J, Exton Substation. A small city outside of Pittsburgh, Aliquippa was once was home to big steel, big money and big NFL stars who came up through the renowned high school football program. Jackie Belcastro: That the Aliquippa police were stalking her. Determined to recoup some of her losses, Lisa pushed Rachael to go public. NEWS REPORT: "An Aliquippa man who was a key figure in the unsolved murder of an Aliquippa woman is now charged in another homicide" On May 17, 2020, almost two years to the day that Rachael DelTondo was gunned down, Tyric Pugh, whom Sheldon Jeter and Michael Moreland considered family, was fatally shot. He grew up near Aliquippa and has witnessed its decline. He was so successful that an local online magazine dubbed Catroppa "The Wolf of Aliquippa." One reason the DelTondos doubt they'll ever get answers is their distrust of the Aliquippa Police -- and the fact that the department was overseeing the investigation at its most crucial, early stage. Asst. The information comes from news accounts and Crimewatch Pa. On April 26, 1970, 11-year-old Terrence Terry Bowers was found deceased, suffering from multiple stab wounds while on a Boy Scout camping trip. Joe DelTondo: If it was up to them, we knew nothing was gonna happen. William Leonard left Micks Taxi Garage in Cresco, PA., for the two mile ride to Buck Hill Falls Lodge. After Rachael's death, that investigation by state police into possible corruption in Aliquippa seems to have stepped up. So, they scooped it up. Lisa DelTondo: I didn't want her to sign a prenup, any prenup. DelTondo was suspended from her Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School job months prior to her death after a leaked 2016 Aliquippa police report indicated the 33-year-old woman had engaged in intimate behavior with the then-teenaged Jeter. It was the third, and current chief, Robert Sealock, who decided the department should no longer handle Rachael's murder investigation. He had two tattoos; one being a bird in flight with a heart in the background and the other being a bulldog wearing a World War I helmet and the letters "USMC" printed below it. Erin Moriarty: Lauren Watkins is 17 years of age. Erin Moriarty: But it's just a coincidence, though, that, right after you get it, it's suddenly made public. Erin Moriarty: Well, 'cause you were still dating her. Michael Santicola: There's no evidence there that ties him to the crime. Erin Moriarty: As you sit here, do you believe that Frank Catroppa had to have at least been involved? Cell phone evidence shows Sheldon was texting them and knew their whereabouts. According to DelTondo, her daughter was "deathly afraid of police. The Trooper stopped to check on the man and found that he was deceased. When they were together and happy on a Tuesday, they could have been broken up and miserable by Sunday [laughs]. The night Rachael DelTondo was gunned down at the foot of her parent's driveway, there were already eight unsolved murders in the city of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. More than a year after 33-year-old Rachael DelTondo was shot point-blank in her mother's driveway on Mother's Day the case remains unsolved. She said, 'They're following me, mom. Erin Moriarty: Is there any chance that Rachael did try to come in this side door? Last seen wearing: blue body shirt with design, blue jean vest, blue jeans and brown leather belt, knee socks, beige or tan leather boots with side zipper, glasses with initials "VLS" etched on one lens, beige or tan leather purse with long should strap. Erin Moriarty: Sheldon knew exactly where Rachael was that night. But today, the city can't even afford a fully-staffed police force. Samuel was convicted of. Frank Catroppa: Yes I never denied, you know, receiving it from that day. Lisa DelTondo: She'd come in every night, sit at my bed and give me a synopsis of the whole day. An informant told police in 2003 that a convicted bank robber picked her up and killed her, but her body hasnot been found. Erin Moriarty: Frank, I'm gonna ask you directly. Lisa DelTondo [showing the shoes]: Never got to wear 'em. The case shook Aliquippa and remains the ninth unsolved murder in a city with an underfunded and understaffed police department. Glovan now felt Catroppa needed to know, but Rachael insisted the encounter was innocent. By December 2017, Rachael DelTondo was jobless and humiliated, she had cut all ties with her ex-fianc Frank Catroppa and distanced herself from Sheldon Jeter. Diane Wolf was seen on or about Friday, January 29, 1999, at 7:30 a.m. Diane Wolf cashed a paycheck at Dauphin Deposit, 105 Dart Drive, Hanover, PA. Merle reports that Diane Wolf's failure to return home since January 29, 1999, represents a significant departure in her behavior. On the night Rachael DelTondo was murdered, she was out for ice cream with friends, who were also close with Sheldon Jeter. Edwards vehicle (white Honda Sedan) was seen on September 11, 1992, in Lower Yoder Township, near Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. 2009, Christine McWhorter, Beatrice Daniels. And I'm like, "Yeah." Little did I know that was the last words from my baby. VICTIM INFORMATION: The victim is a white female, estimated to be 1721 years of age. Asst. He went on trial in June 2021. September 7, 2019 / 11:12 PM On May 28, 2019, the felony charges against Joe Perciavalle for allegedly sending an obscene text to 17-year-old Lauren Watkins were dropped. And if you look at the way this girl was shot and if you look at the close range that she was shot, this was somebody who was comfortable with a gun somebody that did not waiver, did not have emotion involved in this. Robert Daniel Corriveau. Stephanie Coyle was a widow who lived alone and had been stabbed numerous times in the neck area. Bullet casings were found near his truck and the truck windows were smashed inside and outside of his vehicle. they believe it to be a crime of passion. While driving, Lauren says they passed Sheldon Jeter in a car full of people. I mean, I I -- I guess so. Ray Gricar was the District Attorney of Centre County, PA, at the time of his disappearance. Like, it wasn't the Rachael that I knew [crying]. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Home; Branches; Donations; Blog; Contact Us; About Us; Free Hepatitis Vaccination; where is brushkana alaska Menu Close According to search warrants, he showed little emotion when told about Rachael's death. On July 29, 2009, in an effort to further the investigation, members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Criminal Investigation Assessment/Missing Persons Unit, with assistance from the Chester County District Attorney's Office and Chester County Coroner's Office, exhumed John Doe's body. On February 11, 2004, between 11:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. she finished her shift at the Pump-N-Pantry. There are numerous potential leads for police to follow, including a young Aliquippa High School athlete named Sheldon Jeter and DelTondo's ex-fianc Frank Catroppa. aliquippa, pa unsolved murders. Come on. Erin Moriarty: Why did you have it there? I'm not a police officer. Joe DelTondo: Maybe that's why she felt safe, I don't know. Joe DelTondo: We haven't talked to anybody. Jen Glovan: Yeah I think that they still were on and off they were still just doing what they were always doing. He had been shot multiple times with a handgun. Whatever the truth, Catroppa was able to read the report that day, and it didn't quite match the story that Rachael had told him. It was believed Denise was transported to this location after she was murdered. Her murder is still unsolved today, but Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier says the investigation is active. The crime was discovered after firefighters responded to the scene of a house fire. Published by at June 30, 2022. Rachael DelTondo was 33 years old when she was killed in 2018. It's, you know, one of those awkward situations. Lisa DelTondo [at cemetery]: Awe, look at that picture. She was on medication for a mental health disorder. CIRCUMSTANCES: A teenage boy who was playing in the area found the dismembered remains of a full-term pregnant female. Jen Glovan: [Sighs] I told her that I believed her, but, like, in my gut and in my heart [crying] I knew she was lying. I will never see my brother physically again, and thats not fair, she said. She was in her early 30s what did you two have in common? Kimberly stayed out late and away from home over various periods of time. Frank Catroppa: There were some -- some girls on the -- on the trip. Maybe just tryin' to discredit me. Last words. WHAT YOU CAN DO: If you have information on this crime, any serious crime, or wanted person, call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop G, Huntingdon and the Huntingdon County District Attorneys Office continue to investigate the homicides of Christine McWhorter, 22 yoa and Beatrice Daniels, 31 yoa that occurred between January 2 3, 2009. After Frank Catroppa's birthday party, it's now early 2017. A DNA sample was obtained from a family member and sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification for comparison to John Doe's DNA. Lisa DelTondo: That night, I knew it was him. "Is this true? Missing since: February 11, 2004, from Lake Township, Luzerne County, PA, White/Female, DOB: 01/05/1982, 22 years old, Height: 5'6", Weight: 110 lbs., Hair: light brown, Eyes: Blue. Erin Moriarty: But some people would say you were a teenager. He was found wrapped in a plaid blanked and inside a cardboard box that had once contained a bassinet of the kind sold by J.C. Penney. Lynn and Dale had been shot; it is believed the fire was set by the unknown suspect(s) to destroy evidence. Ask her what she was doing in the car with some kid at night." Karen Denise Wells, a 24-year-old single mother from Oklahoma, disappeared after checking into a motel room in Middlesex Township in Cumberland County on April 12, 1994. Catroppa stood by Rachael, but about a year later, he would decide he needed to know more about what had happened between Rachael and Sheldon Jeter. According to DelTondo her daughter was "Deathly afraid of police. Chief Joe Perciavalle: He was upset. aliquippa, pa unsolved murders. Corriveau was discovered missing by hospital personnel at approximately 7:50 a.m., on November 18, 1968, which was the same day his deceased body was discovered along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Frank DelTondo: There was no ill intent. This month, investigators announced thatDNA evidence and advances in technology enabled them to create a composite drawing of the man who killed her. Lisa DelTondo: --nasty thing that could've happened to her. Her murder is still unsolved today, but Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier says the investigation is active. He's like, "why not? We are requesting the assistance of the public in attempting to locate a person with these characteristics who possibly had a connection to the victims or associates of the victims. Catroppa's attorney would not confirm whether Catroppa is the subject of a grand jury investigation, and it's unclear exactly what he would be investigated for. Lisa DelTondo: Rachael was dating a wonderful young man Frank was engaged. The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop P, Wyoming, continue their investigation of the criminal homicide of Keith John Polerecki. But strangely, it was written more than a year after the actual incident. She had just been dropped off by a friend a few minutes prior and there were no eyewitnesses to the murder. ALIQUIPPA, Pa. (AP) _ Sixteen-year-old Brian Samuel seemed to have everything he could want, neighborhood children said: a loving family, plenty of cash, a red Geo Tracker and, most recently, a new gun. Chief Joe Perciavalle: He told me she was tryin' to get back with him. The vehicle resembled a late 1980s to early 1990s version of the Dodge Daytona or a vehicle with a similar body style. It was updated September 7.]. And the passenger seat was fully reclined. She then contacted police to report him missing. The victims prior employment consisted of secretarial work, maintenance work, clerk, and security work. FORENSIC ANALYSIS: To help establish identification, tooth enamel, bone, and hair samples for this unidentified female and her fetus underwent chemical stable and heavy isotope analysis. The former Aliquippa football players conviction carried a mandatory life prison sentence. The investigation remains open and the Pennsylvania State Police are interested in speaking with anyone that has information on this case. BEAVER A Beaver County judge on Wednesday sentenced Sheldon Jeter to life in prison without the possibility of parole after denying a mistrial motion filed by his attorney. On November 12, 1991, Denises body was found within a wooded portion of an undeveloped cul-de-sac off of Harvey Road, formally Birmingham Township (Chadds Ford Township), Delaware County. Rachael was the teacher with a soft heart who liked to help troubled students. And I told him [crying]. It previously read full-time police force. Erin Moriarty: Why are you texting someone who's sitting right behind you? Im so torn up because I raised Sheldon with the help of my father, and I raised (Tyric Pugh) with the help of Delma". Lisa DelTondo: Maybe we were pushing her. Jurors last month found 23-year-old Jeter guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting of 30-year-old Tyric Pugh. UPDATE:Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against thePennsylvania man charged in connection with the 1992 sexual assault and strangulation ofelementary school teacher Chrsity Mirack. When she called me, I don't know if it was because she was marrying him or because of the ring -- it was a six-carat oval. The victim had been sexually assaulted, dismembered, placed in three suitcases with pieces of a blanket, and thrown off of an Interstate 80 bridge. tony bloom starlizard. DelTondo's mother says it's not true; she says her daughter never was in a romantic relationship with Sheldon. Evidence submitted during the trial included a .380 semi-automatic pistol and ammunition found under Jeter's mattress that experts testified matched empty shell casings at the crime scene, as well as video footage placing Jeters vehicle nearby. Another Mother's Day has come and gone. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH REWARD. More. During last months verdict, a courtroom spectator from Aliquippa recognized one of the jurors as a neighbor of DelTondo. Erin Moriarty: Kids don't always talk to their parents about their sex lives. That all being said I continue to believe that what led to her death was the choices she made in her personal life. Will Rachael DelTondo's killer or killers ever be found? What do you know about this?". Charlotte Fimiano, an agent for Weichert Realtors, failed to return home after showing a home to an unknown client on September 11, 1997. Court records show the juror wasnt asked about DelTondos case during jury selection, nor did she mention her family lived nearby, Santicola said. Hit enter to search or ESC to close. He was 31. Michael Santicola: I'm sure. Less than four minutes after Lauren says she drove off, Rachael wound up dead not by the side door of her house, but all the way at the foot of her driveway. Erin Moriarty [at the lot]: You obviously come here not to be seen. So she started to not tell people that she was talking to me. In October 1968, Cpl. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. So, it needs to be explained. Morgan was last seen in his vehicle going through a toll booth on the turnpike. John Paul: I believe there were a series of events that occurred before her death that could be looked at as the dominoes that kept falling, one after another, that led up to her killing. And of course the nationally famous case of "the Boy in the Box," which happened 60 years ago, yet still fascinates writers and sleuths and triggers flurries of police investigation. She's nice, genuine -- big hearted. More. Steve Colafella: They haven't actually used the term "cleared," but I've had a number of conversations with them, and he's no longer a person of interest. Hometown of Jimmy Stewart, Indiana Pennsylvania. On or about Sunday, January 31, 1999, at 9:30 a.m. Merle Wolf, Diane Wolf's husband reported Diane missing. "You just never know," Perciavalle says. Erin Moriarty: Rachael told you everything? Lauren says she took Rachael home to pick up a sweatshirt and then the pair headed out again -- this time to Hank's for ice cream. It was beautiful. KDKA reports Jeter is facing criminal homicide charges after Pa. State police say he shot and killed. Jen Gloven was one of them. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A grand jury has been hearing evidence. Jen Glovan: They were still going out together -- pretty much doing what they were doing before. Around 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 13, 2018, Rachael DelTondo was shot several times at close range at the foot of her parent's driveway. Basil the Great Church, East Pikeland Township, Chester County. At the time of her disappearance she was 47 years old, 55, and 190 lbs. Lisa DelTondo: You know how you get engaged and you let the woman take over? The victim was approximately 52 tall with medium brown hair and two small circular birthmarks on her face. What did eventually bother Catroppa was Rachael's story about what happened with 17-year-old Sheldon Jeter. Both say they worried that she looked like she might be doing drugs. Michael Santicola: That's not how it went down. Lauren Watkins: We would just drive around, listen to music and talk. The male was carrying a Globe Store bag. Even if true, the age of consent in Pennsylvania is 16. They quickly became Aliquippa's "it" couple. John Paul: I mean, we're talking about a population of roughly 9,000, give or take, where there are nine unsolved homicides. But Glovan confronted her friend. Pennsylvania State Police have charged a man with criminal homicide after a man was found shot multiple times in Aliquippa on Friday. And I think there was a part of her too that was just upset that we never got married. The Arnold Police Department, Westmoreland County District Attorney's Detectives, and the Pennsylvania State Police, continues the investigation of the homicide of Stephanie Coyle. Erin Moriarty: Did Rachael ever indicate to you that Sheldon was obsessed with her or wanted to be with her? and -- came together. ", with the help of CBS station KDKA consumer reporter Marty Griffin. What do you mean? Lauren Watkins: So, it was one of those things that we're like kind of trying to get -- not necessarily rid of Ty, but like whatever her and I had planned for like in the evening, he could just go back and it would just be our time together to like talk and gossip and stuff like that. Joe DelTondo: I think I would've heard it I was right in that chair where I always am. I knew that. Lita Wolf and Diane Wolf had ended their shift at Hanover Foods Inc. 1550 York Street, Hanover, PA.