Frank DelTondo: There was no ill intent. The organization announced that those with information leading to an arrest in the killing of. The texts suggest Sheldon may have been trying to track Rachael's movement: 10:15 P.M.: "I got left huh [smiley face emojis]". And I also did, you know, show -- other folks, and asked questions to the people that were close to her. When asked why people would think he was involved, he told Erin Moriarty, "Maybe just, you know, we had a long relationship. More. The employee saw John Leonards taxi stop and a white male with dark hair, between the ages of 30-40 approached the vehicle. Lisa DelTondo bought her daughter a $10,000 wedding dress and a pair of $3,000 shoes. Rachael had become socially isolated. Learn what's happening in Aliquippa and our surrounding communities. Nothing to do with Sheldon. 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. Lisa DelTondo: I said that night, "You know, this is gonna be a cold case." There was a pile of clothes laying on the floor next to his bed where he was sleeping. The hoped the new information will jogs someone's memory. According to DelTondo her daughter was "Deathly afraid of police. There was nothing unusual, no unusual car, no person anywhere in sight. But according to him, their relationship was much more than a friendship. So, Percivalle says he first refused to give it to Catroppa. I wish you were here, baby. William Leonard left Micks Taxi Garage in Cresco, PA., for the two mile ride to Buck Hill Falls Lodge. Steve Colafella is Catroppa's lawyer. . He was shocked. Frank Catroppa: Absolutely not. 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. 1968, U.S. Marine Cpl. 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. They stopped on the sidewalk by her friend's house on Myrtle Street in Scranton. Joe DelTondo: Maybe that's why she felt safe, I don't know. Her family has begun to lose hope that they'll ever see justice. While driving, Lauren says they passed Sheldon Jeter in a car full of people. Sheldon wasn't the only person police initially questioned. On July 17, 2002, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Shawn Fosnaught and Scott Baur were found lying on Cashdollar Road in Forward Township, Butler County, PA. Shawn and Scott were walking home from a friends house and would have used Cashdollar Road to get home. Lisa DelTondo, Rachael's mother, believes Sheldon Jeter was involved in her daughter's murder. 2023 www.timesonline.com. And when Rachael wasn't with Bolton, she was spending time with former student, 17-year-old Lauren Watkins. He might not have been the one who actually --. Erin Moriarty: And it's just a coincidence just days after you got it, it went out to everybody? Asst. Erin Moriarty: Frank, I'm gonna ask you directly. That all being said I continue to believe that what led to her death was the choices she made in her personal life. Rachael was reluctant at first. In October 1968, Cpl. John William Leonard, Sr., was 52 years of age at the time of his murder and the father of five young children. Jen Glovan: They had good times and they had bad times. 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. / CBS NEWS. And after that night, Frankie and Rachael did not speak to us for an entire year. More. Him and Chief Couch was good friends, I guess. Two murders that occurred two years apart in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, stunned the tight-knit community and left them with many questions. Days later it was anonymously leaked to the public. 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. It don't take five years. Lynn and Dale had been shot; it is believed the fire was set by the unknown suspect(s) to destroy evidence. On or about Sunday, January 31, 1999, at 9:30 a.m. Merle Wolf, Diane Wolf's husband reported Diane missing. Cpl. 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. He was pounding --. All information is accurate as of Release Date. Lauren Watkins, who has known Sheldon since elementary school, says she doesn't believe he's capable of murder. More News. 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. Through his attorney Michael Santicola, Sheldon Jeter says that Rachael was never his teacher. Almost home. 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. Tips can be submitted to the Lancaster City-County CrimeStoppers website, or call 1-800-322-1913 or text LANCS and the tip to 847411. "Aliquippa is a small community with New York problems.". Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Theres no winner in this, said Jeters uncle, Michael Moreland. Her migration to the USA was most likely in close proximity to the period between early childhood to the teenage years, and she likely spent a minimum of 5-10 years in the USA before her death. Frank Catroppa: I don't think some of her family wanted her to still talk to me But she still did. Jen Glovan: She was bawling, hysterically crying, you know, shaking. At the time of her disappearance she was 47 years old, 55, and 190 lbs. Diane Wolf has not been located since Sunday, January 31, 1999. Even Jen Glovan got it. On Monday, September 18, 1972, Morgan Walters Peters Jr. was found lying in a small gully; face down approximately 55 feet north of the north edge of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, in the area of milepost 189.2. "Yeah, all my clothes are right there." 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. Asst. Tyric had been living on and off at the same home as Sheldon Jeter, and they considered each other family. They're brand new. Heike was last seen in her driveway located on Fishing Creek Valley Road, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, PA. Heike left behind her ID, purse, and medication. 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. It was higher than in 67.6% U.S. cities. 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. She said, 'They're following me, mom. 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. Chief Joe Perciavalle: Well, I think it was -- it was just so late at night and he was 17, still in school. 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. I wasn't gonna text back and be like, "Who's this?". But on July 20, 2019, Otto was shot and killed on Smith Street near Jefferson Avenue in York after celebrating his birthday. And I'm like, "Yeah." And she got very angry at me And -- she was just like "nothing's wrong with me. she had hit me in the face. Erin Moriarty: At any point did you have Rachael followed? because she started getting death threats and feared for her life. John Paul: If the things that she said proved true, they would be problematic for him. Morgan Peters was found deceased with a gunshot wound. he was messaging her on Facebook and said he needed someone to talk to and so, Rachael said, "OK, I'll come meet you.". Erin Moriarty: Did you have anything to do, at all, with her death? So, she kinda wanted to kinda paint me in a bad light at times. ", with the help of CBS station KDKA consumer reporter Marty Griffin. Lisa DelTondo: She was excited. Glovan now felt Catroppa needed to know, but Rachael insisted the encounter was innocent. She had just been dropped off by a friend a few minutes prior and there were no eyewitnesses to the murder. So, Frank went to the Aliquippa Police Department and asked Assistant Police Chief Joe Perciavalle if there was an incident report. Phylicia was never seen or heard from again. Lisa DelTondo [showing the shoes]: Never got to wear 'em. Every year, Catroppa throws himself a big birthday party at a bar in downtown Aliquippa. She had to go to a doctor. Jen Glovan: Yeah I think that they still were on and off they were still just doing what they were always doing. Lisa DelTondo: She couldn't sleep. John Leonard was pronounced dead at the scene with cause of death being multiple gunshot wounds. Jen Glovan: I do not know, no. CBS' '48 Hours: Who Killed Rachael DelTondo?' delves into the various facets of the investigation into [] 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. 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. He was in shock. Lauren Watkins: He did. Lisa DelTondo: She was in a psych ward for three days. Chief Joe Perciavalle: He told me she was tryin' to get back with him. Robert Daniel Corriveau. He become known as "the Boy in the Box" and "America's Unknown Child.". Lisa DelTondo: He came here one night drunk. Charlotte had been strangled and shot to death. And then he goes, "Well what are you doing?" Steve Colafella: He was certainly a person of interest, I think, initially. During jury selection, she revealed she was in the process of divorcing a distant relative of Jeter, too. She had been driving cross country to meet a friend in New Jersey. Kimberly stayed out late and away from home over various periods of time. John Paul: Yeah. Lisa DelTondo: She'd come in every night, sit at my bed and give me a synopsis of the whole day. 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. Chief Joe Perciavalle: Just put it on there just in case somebody came. According to the report, it was nearly 2 a.m. when Rachael and Jeter were discovered in her car, not 11 p.m. as Rachael had said, and not at the Circle K, but in an abandoned lot. 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. I've known her since we were kids. QuickLinks. 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. Frank Catroppa: Yes I never denied, you know, receiving it from that day. 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. That's just ridiculous It's just Rachael. Both victims were killed inside their apartment at the Chestnut Terrace Apartments located on Federal Drive, Mount Union, Huntingdon County, PA. PA State Police investigators have recently sought the services of Parabon- NanoLabs (Parabon), a DNA technology company in Virginia that specializes in DNA phenotyping: the process of predicting physical appearance and ancestry from unidentified DNA evidence. Frank Catroppa: There were some -- some girls on the -- on the trip. It's a shirt. She said "No, no, no, I wasn't doing anything like that." But Lisa DelTondo stands by her account. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH REWARD. The 2018 Aliquippa crime rate fell by 30% compared to 2017. Erin Moriarty: At some point, then, did you start talking to Rachel? 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. The two had recently reconnected. He was 31. 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. On the way, they picked up 26-year-old Tyrie Jeter, yet another half-brother of Sheldon. Santicola claimed the womans soon-to-be-ex-husband suffered post-traumatic stress disorder from seeing DelTondos body in the driveway. 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. Basil the Great Church, East Pikeland Township, Chester County. In the hour leading up to Rachael's death, search warrant applications indicate that Sheldon was texting Tyrie. According to DelTondo, her daughter was "deathly afraid of police. The victim had no prior police record or contact. ", Frank Catroppa denies any involvement in Rachael DelTondo's death. Rachael was the teacher with a soft heart who liked to help troubled students. Chief Don Couch was placed on leave for reasons not made public. She took hours out of her day to help me with my college resumes and just was the best friend anyone could have. 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. Court records show the juror wasnt asked about DelTondos case during jury selection, nor did she mention her family lived nearby, Santicola said. Lauren Watkins: I don't leave until anyone gets to their door. John Paul says DelTondo was afraid of a lot of people, including the Aliquippa Police. He enlisted in the USMC in March 1965. Frank Catroppa: You know, I was more confused than anything. Curiously, Lauren sent a text to Rachael even though Rachael was sitting in the same car. Perciavalle says that's because he heard about the encounter months after it happened, and although police found no evidence that Rachael had engaged in improper behavior, the assistant chief wanted a record of the event. What did eventually bother Catroppa was Rachael's story about what happened with 17-year-old Sheldon Jeter. Surratt's confession led to resolutions in four unsolved homicide cases in the state. She told "48 Hours," "That night, I knew it was him." 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. Callers can anonymously contact the Beaver County Crime Solvers at 724-774-2000. Determined to recoup some of her losses, Lisa pushed Rachael to go public. Authorities won't say whether they were able to verify Frank's alibi, and eyebrows were raised when he appeared on social media wearing a T-shirt that read: "fake alibi." The case shook Aliquippa and remains the ninth unsolved murder in a city with an underfunded and understaffed police department. What do you mean? Jen Glovan: I just broke down in tears and I said, "Please ask her. Glovan says Rachael told her there was an incident involving her and a 17-year-old Aliquippa high school football star named Sheldon Jeter. Frank Catroppa: I was kinda just -- just shocked. And Glovan says Rachael was not leaving her parent's house without a commitment from Frank. More:Jury finds Sheldon Jeter guilty of murder. In December 2016, Rachael DelTondo was there to help celebrate. He was also going to Lewisburg, PA, to spend some time at the antique shops there. He was found on Feb. 25, 1957 by a young man checking his muskrat traps in the Fox Chase section of Philadelphia, although the man didn't immediately report it. When Rachael was slain in 2018, she was 33 years old. Lisa DelTondo was extremely close with her 33-year-old daughter. Remember, they also turned their attention to Frank Catroppa, who was dating someone new when Rachael was murdered. Her mother didn't want her to sign it. Samuel, now 40, originally was sentenced to consecutive life without parole terms after a county jury convicted him of two counts of first-degree murder in 1997 for the April 1996 slayings of his . It was determined that her last destination was a vacant home for sale at 2147 Chelsea Lane, Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County. John Paul is an investigative journalist and CBS News consultant. He was planning to retire at the end of 2005, with 20 years of service. They're following me.'". The victim was last seen alive on August 7, 1996. Catroppa says it was a joke. DelTondo's mother says it's not true; she says her daughter never was in a romantic relationship with Sheldon. Lisa DelTondo: Her therapist told her to stay away from Lauren. Rachael's parents say they never saw evidence of drug use. It is believed that the victim was killed and dismembered within days of being discovered. Rachael also told John Paul that she had received death threats -- including a text that said she wouldn't live to see the end of 2018 -- and she feared she was being followed by the Aliquippa Police. And when you start having services run that way -- you start having problems. Frank Catroppa: No. 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. Michael Santicola: It didn't start in the car they had a relationship going on for quite some time. Lisa put Rachael in touch with John Paul and while the two never met in person, he says he spoke to Rachael several times and she claimed to have information about city officials. Rachael DelTondo was 33 years old when she was killed in 2018. . The 11-year-old boy stabbed to death during a Boy Scout camping trip in 1970. Lauren Watkins: She helped me with everything. 2019 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. John Paul: Rachael described a city that was rotten to its core. fulfillment warehouse 761 progress parkway lasalle illinois. Lisa DelTondo: Yes. On May 13, 2018, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was unexpectedly rocked with shock. S. A person of interest in her murder was convicted in. Erin Moriarty: But why? So, it needs to be explained. After supper, Rachael went for ice cream with friends. More:Sheldon Jeter defense: Juror in recent homicide trial was DelTondos neighbor, The defense didn't want a juror like this on this case, the commonwealth didn't want a juror like this on this casebut, unfortunately, it happened, Santicola said. He says it was an accident and meant for someone else. When Catroppa ran over to see what happened, she retaliated and broke a promise -- revealing that secret Rachael had begged her to keep. Frank Catroppa: Yeah. Frank Catroppa: I don't know what she could possibly tell them. Robert was a self-employed furniture repairman. Jen Glovan: They were in the parking lot at Circle K, and he had gotten into her car and he was on the passenger side. Diane Wolf was seen on or about Friday, January 29, 1999, at 7:00 a.m. by Lita Wolf. While Rachael DelTondo and Frank Catroppa were a couple, DelTondo was seen by police parked in this abandoned lot. Correspondence detailing the man's description and polaroid photos were distributed to surrounding United States Marine Corps and Naval installations. A college student then discovered him a few days later, yet he too waited a day before reporting it. 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. Lisa DelTondo: That was the most negative --. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. It feels like I have a hole in my heart, she said in her victim impact statement. Assistant chief Joe Perciavalle took over briefly until he was arrested on charges he shared an obscene text message with Lauren Watkins, a minor. All rights reserved (About Us). Frank Catroppa: She would never really give names But she would always just, you know, lump in the -- the police department. Jen Glovan: I asked her, y'know, "why didn't you wanna move out?" I don't know how He's built like, you know, The Hulk. 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. And -- she just kind of, you know, swung at me. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Jen Gloven was one of them. Catroppa says the more he pulled away, the more jealous Rachael became. Erin Moriarty: As you sit here, do you believe that Frank Catroppa had to have at least been involved? The victim had been sexually assaulted, dismembered, placed in three suitcases with pieces of a blanket, and thrown off of an Interstate 80 bridge. Joe DelTondo: If it was up to them, we knew nothing was gonna happen. Joe DelTondo: I think I would've heard it I was right in that chair where I always am. The report states that Rachael told police that Jeter was "once a student of hers," now a "friend," and they were just talking. 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. Much of what was filed, the judge said, amounted to hearsay. Both parties thoroughly questioned and approved of the jury, Tesla said. . It was believed Denise was transported to this location after she was murdered. Editor's note: This story was previously updated to reflect that the City of Aliquippa can't afford a fully-staffed police force. It's gorgeous. She became increasingly concerned as she was not able to contact him throughout the evening. Pughs mother, Delma Pugh, told the court her family has endured long, sleepless nights following her sons death last year. First published on May 18, 2019 / 11:02 PM. September 7, 2019 / 11:12 PM Uh-huh [affirms]. 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."