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. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH REWARD. John Paul: The police departments we have are populated largely by part-time officers. Erin Moriarty: But some people would say you were a teenager. He might not have been the one who actually --. Erin Moriarty: Were you in love with Rachael? In October, 2017, police in Philadelphia used DNA to rule out a possible link to a family in Tennessee. Chief Joe Perciavalle: I told the chief I didn't feel comfortable givin' it to him. 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. Much of what was filed, the judge said, amounted to hearsay. Both parties thoroughly questioned and approved of the jury, Tesla said. Facebook I'm not doing drugs." Descubr lo que tu empresa podra llegar a alcanzar. And I firmly believe that, if things in Aliquippa aren't the way they are that Rachael DelTondo would still be alive. Chief Joe Perciavalle: I asked if they did a report. Frank Catroppa: There were some -- some girls on the -- on the trip. Joe DelTondo: Maybe that's why she felt safe, I don't know. Glovan says Rachael told her there was an incident involving her and a 17-year-old Aliquippa high school football star named Sheldon Jeter. Days later it was anonymously leaked to the public. Hometown of Jimmy Stewart, Indiana Pennsylvania. Individuals with information are asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 610-268-5158, or e-mail SP1968marinedeath@pa.gov. Erin Moriarty: And, at first, were you happy with the relationship? Lisa DelTondo: Frankie made people take sides, so her friends had all, like, kinda went away. The morning after Rachael DelTondo was killed, investigators searched Sheldon Jeter's home. they believe it to be a crime of passion. 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. It is believed that the victim was killed and dismembered within days of being discovered. Michael Santicola: I'm sure. The deceased male became a "John Doe" and was laid to rest at Longwood Cemetery in an unmarked grave where he remained unidentified for 44 years. Pennsylvania State Police have charged a man with criminal homicide after a man was found shot multiple times in Aliquippa on Friday. A .22 caliber round was recovered within his body. John Paul: Yeah. The victim was known to frequent area bars in Pittston, Luzerne County, as well as the Black Bridge swimming hole located off of State Route 502, located in Moosic Borough, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. 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. Erin Moriarty: Did, in fact, Rachael DelTondo's murder shine a light where people didn't want it to be? Erin Moriarty: Do you think Frank was obsessed with Rachael? The vehicle appeared to be dark, possibly reddish to maroon in color, with retractable (flip-up type) headlights. Lisa DelTondo: He gave her strength. 8:00 - 23:00 . Lisa DelTondo, who insists that Jeter mistook Rachael's kindness as romantic love, says he became obsessed with her daughter. He was 31. fulfillment warehouse 761 progress parkway lasalle illinois. But according to him, their relationship was much more than a friendship. More:Jury finds Sheldon Jeter guilty of murder. She -- she gave me about three deadlines. Lisa DelTondo: I said that night, "You know, this is gonna be a cold case." It was updated September 7.]. The victim spent approximately one month in the US Army. Lisa DelTondo: She'd come in every night, sit at my bed and give me a synopsis of the whole day. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. All information is accurate as of Release Date. Erin Moriarty: Who were those people bothering her? Rachael was the teacher with a soft heart who liked to help troubled students. She's nice, genuine -- big hearted. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Nothing to do with Sheldon. Rachael DelTondo's death still unsolved nearly 1 year later; DA says he is 'committed to bringing her murderer to justice' . John Paul: She told me that they were asking her questions about Frank. Frank Catroppa: Yeah, at one time I was, absolutely. Erin Moriarty: How did you know he was drunk? And then she said that a police officer pulled up and just wanted to check on them and she said "Everything's fine, Officer. One. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I miss my son so much.. The unknown male who approached the taxi was wearing a blue-green wind breaker, dark pants, and dark framed glasses. On or about Friday, February 5, 1999, the investigation was turned over to the PA State Police. As Glovan recalls, nothing really changed. Steve Colafella is Catroppa's lawyer. wear with pride synonym; After June 10, the Crime Solvers extra reward will expire and callers will only receive the $5,000 from the PA. Jen Glovan: They were still going out together -- pretty much doing what they were doing before. boeing 767 patriot express. The hoped the new information will jogs someone's memory. Asst. And when you start having services run that way -- you start having problems. 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. After the release of the report, Rachael was finally finished with Frank, but Lisa wasn't. The 25-year-old school teacher had been beaten, strangled and sexually assaulted. Michael Santicola: That's not how it went down. I've known her since we were kids. Catroppa was allowed to take home that copy of the report, and a day or two later, someone used it to strike a devastating blow at Rachael DelTondo's reputation. The victim had a visible fracture on a front tooth. 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. Santicola believes this should have led the juror in question to disclose her physical ties to DelTondo. "Is this true? 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. tony bloom starlizard. Jen Glovan: I was just like, "Oh, my God, like, who is this person?" More News. So, Frank went to the Aliquippa Police Department and asked Assistant Police Chief Joe Perciavalle if there was an incident report. An informant told police in 2003 that a convicted bank robber picked her up and killed her, but her body hasnot been found. They got up and said, "Are these the clothes that you were wearing?" And they were just talking. Phylicia Albina Thomas arrived home and after a short time she went outside. Jen Glovan: And I just said, "Rachael," I said, "I just feel like something's wrong I don't know what it is, but you're doing something which is not good [crying] and I'm worried about you." Between Tuesday, December 6, 1993, 10:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 7, 1993, 1:00 a.m., Lynne Stansfield and Dale Wolf were murdered at 419 Linton Hill Road, Penn Township (Duncannon postal delivery), Perry County, PA. Jen Glovan says she and Rachael were once "best friends.". Erin Moriarty: But why? Frank Catroppa: I wouldn't say that I was angry. The male was carrying a Globe Store bag. Glovan recalls Rachael coming to her that Super Bowl weekend in tears. Erin Moriarty: At any point did you have Rachael followed? All rights reserved (About Us). Last words. aliquippa, pa unsolved murders. Surveillance cameras captured Sheldon Jeter Jr. leaving home with Tyric Pugh, seen here at 11:10 p.m. Later, cameras captured Sheldon returning alone. Investigators, writers and online sleuths continue to puzzle over the case and advance theories. Joe DelTondo: But she felt safe with him. Michael Santicola: That's absolutely untrue. 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. He says his relationship with Catroppa is purely professional. The two had recently reconnected. Chief Joe Perciavalle: He was upset. The vehicle resembled a late 1980s to early 1990s version of the Dodge Daytona or a vehicle with a similar body style. It was higher than in 67.6% U.S. cities. Did you have anything to do with the death Rachael DelTondo? It's Frankie." Steve Colafella: He was certainly a person of interest, I think, initially. The deceased male carried no wallet or identification. At approximately 2:40 p.m., Micks Taxi Service received a call from a white male requesting service from Buck Hill Falls to Mountainhome, PA., a distance of approximately five miles. 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. Despite intense publicity and distribution of thousands of flyers, his identity and killer remain unknown. On April 15, 2005, Ray Gricar did not go to the office but phoned his paramour at approximately 11:30 a.m., and advised her he was taking a drive in the Penns Valley area of Centre County, on State Route 192. There are numerous potential leads for police to follow,. Like, "you've been dating this kid five years." All that was also released in the cyber blast. Joe Perciavalle was Aliquippa's assistant chief of police when DelTondo was killed. Christy Ann Mirack was found dead in her home in East Lampeter Township in Lancaster County on Dec. 21, 1992. 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. Erin Moriarty: Did Rachael ever indicate to you that Sheldon was obsessed with her or wanted to be with her? Jeter's attorney argues that if anyone knew what time Rachael was going to be home, it was Lauren Watkins. Contact reporter Chrissy Suttles at csuttles@timesonline.com or on Twitter @ChrissySuttles. One year after Rachael DelTondo was shot to death, there are plenty of theories, but no arrests, leaving some to wonder if the case will ever be solved. "Aliquippa is a small community with New York problems.". Jen Glovan: And she told me [sighs] that at, like, 11:00, 12:00 at night. Asst. Lisa DelTondo bought her daughter a $10,000 wedding dress and a pair of $3,000 shoes. authorities in Perry County, Pa. charged a local man with the 1983 murder of his wife. When Rachael was slain in 2018, she was 33 years old. Learn what's happening in Aliquippa and our surrounding communities. 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. 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). And -- and Rachael was upset about that. Frank Catroppa: It[laughs] -- kinda is what it is. So, I said, "Get that report done.". John Paul: I am not able to independently verify the things that I have heard, that's not the type of thing that I can report yet. During jury selection, she revealed she was in the process of divorcing a distant relative of Jeter, too. But Glovan confronted her friend. Charlotte Fimiano, an agent for Weichert Realtors, failed to return home after showing a home to an unknown client on September 11, 1997. Frank Catroppa and Rachael DelTondo celebrated their engagement with a kiss in front of the Eiffel Towel, Sheldon Jeter was a star football player for Aliquippa High School, Lisa DelTondo said her daughter told her that she was cooperating in an ongoing investigation by state police into alleged corruption in the Aliquippa Police Department, and that she had received death threats. she had hit me in the face. S. A person of interest in her murder was convicted in. Will Rachael DelTondo's killer or killers ever be found? In fact, I told both sides that, at the end of the day, my objective was that council was going to pick this case. According to search warrants, he showed little emotion when told about Rachael's death. I'm not a city official. Don Couch contradicts that. She was too young. The victim was approximately 52 tall with medium brown hair and two small circular birthmarks on her face. She was last seen wearing a rust-colored wool fringed sweater, blue collared polo shirt with "Pump and Pantry" written on it, white pants, gray Nike sneakers, a blue "Pump-N-Pantry" hat, and a homemade hemp necklace. But the wedding was still off, leaving Rachael's mother fuming over all the money lost on those $3,000 shoes and the deposit on that $10,000 wedding dress. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH REWARD. John Paul: I can say, based on my reporting, that Frank Catroppa is the subject of a grand jury investigation being run by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Individual predictions were made for the subjects ancestry, eye color, hair color, skin color, freckling, and face shape. "He was a really, really . Erin Moriarty [at the lot]: You obviously come here not to be seen. In the early morning hours of April 26, 1970, unknown suspect(s) attacked the victim while he was sleeping. Uh-huh [affirms]. 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. When asked why people would think he was involved, he told Erin Moriarty, "Maybe just, you know, we had a long relationship. The Pennsylvania State Police, Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit, Troop, K, Philadelphia, continues their investigation into the homicide of Denise Sharon Kulb. She texted: "go for a walk ill come pick you up after." He's like, "why not? On Nov. 14, 2017, authorities in Perry County, Pa. charged a local man with the 1983 murder of his wife, providing a reminder that even decades-old "cold cases" are never totally forgotten. 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. Among the many puzzling details in the case, investigators found Wells had driven 700 miles farther than the distance from Oklahoma to Carlisle, and had gone as far east as Bernville in Berks County before doubling back to Cumberland County. 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. Even Jen Glovan got it. I have no idea. Rod was also shot in the back outside of his residence approximately four years earlier. It appeared the boys had been struck by a vehicle(s). Sheldon Jeter Jr. was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. February 21, 2023 in Other. LOCATION: Along the banks of the Lehigh River in East Side Borough, Carbon County. The victim had no prior police record or contact. On the night Rachael DelTondo was murdered, she was out for ice cream with friends, who were also close with Sheldon Jeter. Jen Gloven [crying]: She grabbed my hand and she just said, "You know, please just don't tell anybody this. But strangely, it was written more than a year after the actual incident. Theres no winner in this, said Jeters uncle, Michael Moreland. After Rachael's death, that investigation by state police into possible corruption in Aliquippa seems to have stepped up. The body was badly decomposed. The victim had been sexually assaulted, dismembered, placed in three suitcases with pieces of a blanket, and thrown off of an Interstate 80 bridge. December 9, 2021 / 1:18 PM 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. And the passenger seat was fully reclined. The victim was last seen alive on August 7, 1996. The last radio contact with John Leonard was at 2:44 p.m. An employee of the lodge saw John Leonard going up the drive toward the main building on the hotel property. On May 28, 2019, the felony charges against Joe Perciavalle for allegedly sending an obscene text to 17-year-old Lauren Watkins were dropped. She said, "No.". Sheldon Jeter Jr.'s uncle, Michael Moreland, says Sheldon was home the night Rachael DelTondo was killed. That person, 22-year-old Sheldon Jeter Jr., was jailed in the Beaver County over the weekend. Lauren Watkins: I don't leave until anyone gets to their door. Ray Gricar was 59 years old at the time of his disappearance. Erin Moriarty: Did Sheldon Jeter see you? Scott was deceased at the scene and Shawn was transported from the scene and pronounced dead at an area hospital. Lisa DelTondo: That was the most negative --. Tyric had been living on and off at the same home as Sheldon Jeter, and they considered each other family. 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. That's just ridiculous It's just Rachael. On November 18, 1968, shortly before 11:00 a.m., a Pennsylvania State Trooper, while on routine patrol along the Pennsylvania Turnpike spotted a male in a semi-seated position against a fence about a mile east of the Downingtown interchange in Uwchlan Township, Chester County. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Erin Moriarty: As you sit here, do you believe that Frank Catroppa had to have at least been involved? Rachael DelTondo was 33 years old when she was killed in 2018. The unknown suspect(s) burned the victims residence while he was inside, causing his death. Frank Catroppa: You know, I was more confused than anything. 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. . It's nothing serious. But according to Catroppa the relationship wasn't the same. And at that point I had stopped answering. 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. 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. After Frank Catroppa's birthday party, it's now early 2017. Jen Glovan: And I just said "you're my best friend." During last months verdict, a courtroom spectator from Aliquippa recognized one of the jurors as a neighbor of DelTondo. Asst. Some of the Pennsylvania cold cases could easily provide the basis for an episode of a TV forensic investigation show: Here are details of the some of the most prominent cold cases in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop G, Lewistown, continue their investigation into the Homicide of Orie Donald Esh, that occurred at his residence located at 271 Kansas Road, Oliver Township, Mifflin County, PA. On September 6, 2001, at approximately 10:17 a.m., the victim Orie Donald Esh was found deceased inside his residence. "Are you cheating on Frankie?" Erin Moriarty: Kids don't always talk to their parents about their sex lives. It was the third, and current chief, Robert Sealock, who decided the department should no longer handle Rachael's murder investigation. Surratt charted a radically different path when he returned home to Aliquippa from the rice paddies of Southeast Asia and began terrorizing communities during a killing spree unparalleled in. To date there have been no confirmed sightings or contacts with Ray Gricar. 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. 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." The shooter either followed Rachael or was lying in wait. He was in shock. It previously read full-time police force. He had messaged me on Facebook and was like, "Did I just pass you guys." So, it was like it became common for her to, like, almost mislead or lie. He was pounding --. .Byrd was shot multiple times in a daylight. 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: But the point is, she's still not here. he was messaging her on Facebook and said he needed someone to talk to and so, Rachael said, "OK, I'll come meet you.". It. He was planning to retire at the end of 2005, with 20 years of service. So, she kinda wanted to kinda paint me in a bad light at times. On Nov. 14, 2017,authorities in Perry County, Pa. charged a local man with the 1983 murder of his wife, providing a reminder that even decades-old "cold cases" are never totally forgotten. Using DNA evidence from this investigation, Snapshot produced trait predictions for the associated person of interest (POI). The passenger and driver's doors were open. The number of homicides stood at 1 - a decrease of 1 compared to 2017. It has been determined that Cpl. 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. 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. I don't think -- how he would know what time they're going home? And the chief told me, give it to him. . As winter turned into spring of 2018, Rachael DelTondo was trying hard to put her fears behind her. She was also known to frequent the Kensington / Frankford and Roxborough / East Falls sections of Philadelphia. Ray Gricars vehicle (2004 White over Red Mini Cooper with PA Registration) was discovered near the Street of Shops in Lewisburg, PA, on April 16, 2005. Dark blonde hair, Eyes: Blue/Wears glasses Michelle was last seen wearing: blue jeans, wine colored V-neck sweater, gold necklace with a "knot" pendant. Lisa DelTondo: $4,500 it wasn't chump change. Jen Glovan: And I just sat there and I read it and I was like, "Oh, my God." Investigators are interested in hearing from any waiters or bartenders who were working at Buck Hill Falls Lodge during August/September of 1970. Absolutely not. Super Bowl weekend 2016, Frank was at the game with some buddies and they weren't alone. At the time of her disappearance she was 47 years old, 55, and 190 lbs. Erin Moriarty: Was Frank actually interested in being with Rachael at that point? The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop P, Wyoming, continues their investigation into the disappearance of Phylicia Albina Thomas. The texts suggest Sheldon may have been trying to track Rachael's movement: 10:15 P.M.: "I got left huh [smiley face emojis]". Erin Moriarty: But you know that Rachael's mother disputes that completely. On September 22, 1981, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Michelle Reidenbach was last seen in the parking lot of the Super Duper Market, located on South Main St. in Zelienople Borough, Butler County, PA.