Jeter and Pugh were raised together by both families, they said, noting theres still no motive for the killing. WHAT YOU CAN DO: If you have information on this crime, any serious crime, missing person, or wanted person, call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. All rights reserved (About Us). Convicted of a single murder and several rapes in 1978, he remains the prime suspect in a series of murders in Pennsylvania, Ohio and South Carolina between 1977 and 1978. Erin Moriarty: And he -- and he was upset about it? But she said that she doesn't wanna hurt her feelings. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH REWARD. Rachael was reluctant at first. A motive is unknown at this time,. Frank Catroppa: I wouldn't say that I was angry. Him and Chief Couch was good friends, I guess. She was just trying to help a teenager in need, she told Frank. LOCATION: Along the banks of the Lehigh River in East Side Borough, Carbon County. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH REWARD. Bone samples were sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification where a DNA profile was obtained and entered into a national missing persons DNA database. Erin Moriarty: As you sit here, do you believe that Frank Catroppa had to have at least been involved? She is not here for me to hug and kiss and love, not here. She took hours out of her day to help me with my college resumes and just was the best friend anyone could have. Erin Moriarty: But you know that Rachael's mother disputes that completely. Maybe just tryin' to discredit me. 8:00 - 23:00 . This would include members of the United States Marine Corps or Navy who may have served with Cpl. Jury finds Sheldon Jeter guilty of murder, Sheldon Jeter defense: Juror in recent homicide trial was DelTondos neighbor, Video: New true-crime podcast, "Return To View," set to debut July 28, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Little did I know that was the last words from my baby. After Rachael's death, that investigation by state police into possible corruption in Aliquippa seems to have stepped up. It's nothing serious. Heike Leich was reported missing by Joseph Hawthorne, her common-law spouse on August 8, 2007. Lisa DelTondo: Every window in the house, he pounded on. And I said, "I'm gonna ask you two -- two questions." / CBS News, Produced by Judy Rybak and Stephanie Slifer, [This story first aired May 18. Petition for 2023 Taxes. but they both agreed to break up with their significant others. It appeared the boys had been struck by a vehicle(s). Suggestion Box; It's possible. Kimberly Yohe of Dauphin Borough in Dauphin Count was last seen at her residence on May 8, 1996, at 9:00 p.m. On May 22, 1996, at 7:55 p.m. the Kimberlys body was found partially nude in the Susquehanna River. On July 16, 1993, the Arnold Police Department was dispatched to the residence located on 4th Avenue, City of Arnold, to assist with a deceased 76 year old female. And she told me that she didn't tell them a lot, but she knew she was, at some point, going to have to tell them more. DelTondo's mother says it's not true; she says her daughter never was in a romantic relationship with Sheldon. And I'm like, "Yeah." His murder remains unsolved. Jen Glovan: Yeah. "Do you think anyone in the police department was involved in any way in Rachael's death?" Much of what was filed, the judge said, amounted to hearsay. Both parties thoroughly questioned and approved of the jury, Tesla said. Lisa DelTondo: She said, "We're goin' to Hanks to get ice cream." She was a good girl. 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. Did you follow Rachael? Erin Moriarty: Who were those people bothering her? In the hour leading up to Rachael's death, search warrant applications indicate that Sheldon was texting Tyrie. 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. Surveillance cameras captured Sheldon Jeter Jr. leaving home with Tyric Pugh, seen here at 11:10 p.m. Later, cameras captured Sheldon returning alone. aliquippa, pa unsolved murders. When Rachael wasn't with Rashawn Bolton, she was spending time with former student Lauren Watkins. . Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Steve Colafella: He was certainly a person of interest, I think, initially. John William Leonard, Sr., was 52 years of age at the time of his murder and the father of five young children. Did you have anything to do with the death Rachael DelTondo? Erin Moriarty: But it's just a coincidence, though, that, right after you get it, it's suddenly made public. 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. John Paul: The information I have from law enforcement is that They do believe she knew her killer. Lisa DelTondo: That was the most negative --. The crime was discovered after firefighters responded to the scene of a house fire. The case shook Aliquippa and remains the ninth unsolved murder in a city with an underfunded and understaffed police department. On Tuesday, September 8, 1970, at approximately 3:45 p.m., John William Leonard, Sr., was located deceased in his taxi cab on the grounds of the Buck Hill Falls Lodge, Buck Hill Falls, Barrett Township, Monroe County, PA. John Leonards black 1966 Plymouth sedan was discovered approximately 150 feet south of the main entrance to the lodge in a slightly secluded area. He went on trial in June 2021. The victim was approximately 52 tall with medium brown hair and two small circular birthmarks on her face. Corriveau, originally from Lawrence, Massachusetts was twenty years old at the time of his death. Assistant chief Joe Perciavalle took over briefly until he was arrested on charges he shared an obscene text message with Lauren Watkins, a minor. Rachael first met Jeter years earlier, when she worked as a substitute teacher at his elementary school. And she said, "I'm Italian and usually they stay at home until they get married and I don't want to disappoint my dad.". That went on for several years says Glovan, with Rachael wanting stability and Frank resisting. When Catroppa ran over to see what happened, she retaliated and broke a promise -- revealing that secret Rachael had begged her to keep. Rachael had become socially isolated. He was in charge of everything -- wanted to go to the hall, wanted to see the flowers, wanted -- I mean, if he could've saw her dress, he'd be happy. she had hit me in the face. "Nothing," said Lisa DelTondo. More. Stephanie Coyle was a widow who lived alone and had been stabbed numerous times in the neck area. I clearly indicated to both sides that the court would liberally grant the right to ask questions to each juror by both the commonwealth and defendants, he said. To us it looks like a hit. Two murders that occurred two years apart in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, stunned the tight-knit community and left them with many questions. Joe DelTondo: If it was up to them, we knew nothing was gonna happen. wear with pride synonym; 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. When they were together and happy on a Tuesday, they could have been broken up and miserable by Sunday [laughs]. and she's gettin' a little frustrated, like "when am I gonna get this ring on my finger.". Charlotte had been strangled and shot to death. warren community center swim lessons. Frank Catroppa: I was kinda just -- just shocked. But Rachael's mother says the friendship did nothing but anger an already obsessed Sheldon. . The fact that she didn't tell her mother that she was having a relationship with a 17-year-old boy doesn't surprise me. But Lisa DelTondo stands by her account. Additionally, because it was believed that John Doe had served in the United States Marine Corps, a request for assistance was sent to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). "Aliquippa is a small community with New York problems.". Michael Santicola: She was engaged at the time she was having a relationship with -- with Sheldon. Lisa DelTondo: She was in a psych ward for three days. Her assassination remains unsolved, but Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier says the inquiry is ongoing. He was pounding --. 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. As for the fetal analysis, the results suggest that the geographic origin of gestation occurred in the Southeastern USA. According to DelTondo her daughter was "Deathly afraid of police. 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. In the early morning hours of April 26, 1970, unknown suspect(s) attacked the victim while he was sleeping. There are numerous potential leads for police to follow,. She's nice, genuine -- big hearted. Jeter's attorney argues that if anyone knew what time Rachael was going to be home, it was Lauren Watkins. September 7, 2019 / 11:12 PM It's gorgeous. 2023 www.timesonline.com. Jackie Belcastro | Rachael's aunt: I know my Rachael was afraid of them. Diane Wolf was seen on or about Friday, January 29, 1999, at 7:00 a.m. by Lita Wolf. State police have charged Sheldon Jeter Jr., 22, of Aliquippa . We took great pains to provide an alibi, answer questions, make him available -- so that he could be eliminated early. Just hours after Rachael DelTondo was killed, police were at Sheldon Jeter's doorstep looking to question him and a search warrant application indicates that visit raised questions. More. I wasn't gonna text back and be like, "Who's this?". As it turns out, there was a report and Perciavalle had a copy on his desk. why is poverty island closed to the public MSY: 1021 Airline Dr, Kenner, LA 70062 (Free Shuttle) 8:00 - 23:00 24-Hour Drop Off Text / WhatsApp: 504-500-1885 aliquippa, pa unsolved murders (504) 500-1880. Frank Catroppa: She contacted me and saying that, you know, that people were bothering her or the, you know police --. Contact reporter Chrissy Suttles at csuttles@timesonline.com or on Twitter @ChrissySuttles. Joe and Lisa DelTondo insist their daughter did nothing wrong. Frank Catroppa: Absolutely not. He was white, appeared to be between twenty and thirty years of age, dark brown hair, and hazel eyes. So They'd see each other when they could. Anyone with information on this fatal hit and run, vehicle and/or driver, or possible passengers is urged to contact Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers. John Paul is an investigative journalist and CBS News consultant. The Trooper stopped to check on the man and found that he was deceased. Robert was a self-employed furniture repairman. On May 28, 2019, the felony charges against Joe Perciavalle for allegedly sending an obscene text to 17-year-old Lauren Watkins were dropped. Wendy Chaney, 39, of Hagerstown, Md. Catroppa says the more he pulled away, the more jealous Rachael became. Moriarty asked. Jen Glovan: Rachael basically told Frankie that myself and Matt, we -- were spreading rumors about her, saying that she's on drugs and saying that she's, you know, sleeping around with people around town. Catroppa says it was a joke. I could tell. Erin Moriarty: I'm going to ask you point-blank, because I know you want to answer this question. A Pennsylvania statewide grand jury has heard evidence in the Rachael DelTondo case, and it's been reported that Sheldon Jeter is a subject. They quickly became Aliquippa's "it" couple. 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 organization announced that those with information leading to an arrest in the killing of. The deceased male carried no wallet or identification. Using DNA evidence from this investigation, Snapshot produced trait predictions for the associated person of interest (POI). His parents, who had already paid off his gambling debt and once marched him to the police station for a reprimand for stealing their money, drew the line at the weapon and grounded him for a . Cpl. Through the combined efforts of the Pennsylvania State Police, Criminal Investigation Assessment/Missing Persons Unit, NCIS, USMC, University of Texas Center for Human Identification, Chester County District Attorney's Office, Chester County Coroner's Office, and family members, John Doe was positively identified via DNA as United States Marine Cpl. Jen Glovan: And I just sat there and I read it and I was like, "Oh, my God." He enlisted in the USMC in March 1965. Jen Glovan: And I said "How do you feel about that?" Pughs mother, Delma Pugh, told the court her family has endured long, sleepless nights following her sons death last year. The AWOL Vietnam vet with two purple hearts who was found stabbed through the heart along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1968, and who remained unidentified until 2009. Rachael DelTondo's murder remains one of the most complicated cases in the history of Aliquippa, a small town in Pennsylvania. tony bloom starlizard. Judge Kim Tesla ordered the man to pay thousands in prosecution fees and restitution. Frank Catroppa is Rachael DelTondo's ex-fianc. He's accused of killing 30-year-old Tyric Pugh in Aliquippa. Jolene has not been seen since. In December 2016, Rachael DelTondo was there to help celebrate. He was 31. "In that community, you could probably find a long list of suspects," says John Paul, a local investigative writer and a CBS News consultant. Less than a month after the murder, the Aliquippa Police Department had three different police chiefs in one week. Frank Catroppa: There were some -- some girls on the -- on the trip. Pennsylvania State Police closed four homicide cases involving six victims after linking convicted serial killer Edward A. Surratt to the long-unsolved crimes. And I'm like, "Well, I don't want him to hear, like, I'm coming back" So I kind of just sent it to her like, I don't know, "go for a walk, stay in the car." They stopped on the sidewalk by her friend's house on Myrtle Street in Scranton. He and his former fianc Rachael DelTondo were quietly spending time again. The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop H, Newport, continues their investigation of the criminal homicide of Lynne Marie Stansfield, a 46 year old white female and Dale Gene Wolf, a 43 year old white male. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. After the release of the report, Rachael was finally finished with Frank, but Lisa wasn't. That all being said I continue to believe that what led to her death was the choices she made in her personal life. Shawn and Scott were 15 years of age. And, I said, "The second question is were you doing something with him, you know, sexually? This is a very active "COLD CASE HOMICIDE". She told "48 Hours," "That night, I knew it was him." KDKA reports Jeter is facing criminal homicide charges after Pa. State police say he shot and killed. To us it looks like a hit. it really didn't bother me. John Paul: You come here to not be seen. Jen Glovan: I do not know, no. The results of the analysis revealed the person of interest is most likely a medium to light skinned African-American male with Green or Hazel Eye color and zero to few freckles. Around the time Sheldon returned home alone, a motorist discovered Tyric's body and called 911. Jeters defense team plans to file a post-trial motion and, eventually, an appeal with the Superior Court of Pennsylvania to decide whether a mistrial should, in fact, be granted. The number of homicides stood at 1 - a decrease of 1 compared to 2017. But it no longer matters much to Rachael's parents, who say nothing can give them what they really want. After Frank Catroppa's birthday party, it's now early 2017. Erin Moriarty: Is there any chance that Rachael did try to come in this side door? A city that, John Paul says, can no longer protect its own. Basil the Great Church, East Pikeland Township, Chester County. 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. Ray Gricar was 59 years old at the time of his disappearance. Lisa DelTondo [at cemetery]: Awe, look at that picture. It is believed that the victim was killed and dismembered within days of being discovered. But according to him, their relationship was much more than a friendship. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH REWARD.All information is accurate as of Release Date. There are multiple theories about who did it and why, including one that someone in the local police department was responsible. Michael Santicola | Sheldon Jeter's attorney: I don't think that that's true. What Glovan told Catroppa is that nearly a year earlier, on the same weekend when he was away with other women at the Super Bowl, Rachael had done something that had put her job and her relationship with Frank at risk. John Paul: If the things that she said proved true, they would be problematic for him. Norfolk Southern train derails in Springfield, Ohio, At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Promising drug could provide alternative to statins, new study finds, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days. Court records show the juror wasnt asked about DelTondos case during jury selection, nor did she mention her family lived nearby, Santicola said. Sheldon's attorney insists it's not his client's fault that cops picked up the wrong clothes. Sheldon Jeter Jr. was arrested for the murder of Tyric Pugh just two days later and charged with criminal homicide. 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. LISA DELTONDO [voicemail]: Spend some time in Aliquippa and you'll be able to write a best-seller. Penn State student Cindy Song, who was 21, disappeared after a party in State College on Oct. 31, 2001. No. He was shocked. Erin Moriarty: Kids don't always talk to their parents about their sex lives. Frank, the son of a retired police officer, was building an empire in trucking, cable and energy. Frank Catroppa: That's when the wedding planning stopped and -- we were still together, but we weren't, I guess, engaged anymore, so that created some friction. They're brand new. Im so torn up because I raised Sheldon with the help of my father, and I raised (Tyric Pugh) with the help of Delma". On or about Monday, February 1, 1999, Diane Wolf's 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix (showing PA registration WR9396M) was located in the parking lot of Weis Markets, Baltimore Street, Penn Township, York County, PA. As of the date of the search warrant it was learned Diane Wolf was the primary operator of this vehicle and the disposition of her vehicle represents a significant departure in normal behavior for Diane Wolfe. The 2018 crime rate in Aliquippa, PA is 194 (City-Data.com crime index), which is 1.4 times lower than the U.S. average.