Foster Parents Charged In Case Where Childs Brain Was 'Obliterated'
Episode 115, Aug 03, 2023, 10:00 AM
A chilling case unfolded in the heartland of Pennsylvania this week, as a couple, including a corrections officer, was charged with the death of a young boy who was reportedly subjected to horrific abuse. Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli made the unsettling announcement on July 28, highlighting the relentless pursuit of justice for the innocent victim.
Lauren Maloberti, the boy's adoptive mother, and her husband, Jacob Maloberti, a correctional officer by profession, are now facing a slew of charges that include criminal homicide, first-degree murder, and endangering the welfare of children. Moreover, both of them have been slapped with two counts of aggravated assault of a child and criminal conspiracy, according to official reports.
The victim was identified as 5-year-old Landon Maloberti. On January 30, the child was found unconscious at home and promptly rushed to Allegheny Health Network Hempfield. His condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating a transfer to Children's Hospital for specialized medical treatment. Despite the medical team's best efforts, Landon succumbed to his severe injuries a week later, on February 7.
DA Ziccarelli detailed the shocking extent of the abuse Landon suffered during a press conference covered by WTAE-TV. She reported that the child sustained blunt force trauma to his head, neck, torso, and extremities. His body was marred by a cruel tapestry of bruises, some fresh, others in different stages of healing, a silent testament to the sustained and systematic abuse. Even more alarming was the report of "prolonged and intensive medical interventions" preceding his untimely demise.
A physician, having reviewed the case, made a grim determination: Landon had been subject to "multiple episodes of physical abuse," further compounded by at least two forms of emotional maltreatment. The inflicted injuries were of such severity that they caused "substantial pain," impairing the child's basic functions, including standing, eating, drinking, and even consciousness.
In a devastating verdict, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner classified Landon's death as a homicide. Further investigation led to disturbing revelations about the defendants' behavior after Landon's injuries. A criminal complaint acquired by WPXI-TV revealed that the accused had allegedly waited a full day before seeking medical help for the severely injured boy. The couple appeared relatively unphased by the situation. Lauren Maloberti attempted to explain away Landon's condition to medical staff, claiming he was "wobbly" due to a previous COVID-19 infection.
Medical staff at Children's Hospital painted a tragic picture. They disclosed that Landon had suffered three distinct brain bleeds, a critical condition that had effectively "obliterated" his brain.
Further inquiries conducted by the police included interviews with the victim's siblings. As per WPXI reports, the children stated that their mother regularly disciplined Landon, who, according to her, was "hard to learn his lesson." She allegedly used an open hand, a wooden spoon, or a spray bottle to administer the physical punishment. Disturbingly, coworkers reported Lauren Maloberti openly expressing her disdain for her adopted son, stating she "hated" him and found him "hard to love."
The detectives reportedly examined text exchanges between the accused couple from April 2022 through February 2023. The messages were allegedly filled with overt expressions of disdain for Landon. Further distressing information emerged when Landon's maternal grandmother told police that her daughter had stopped her from seeing the boy because "he was bad." Even during the festive period, the grandmother was not allowed to see her grandson.
In a solemn statement, DA Ziccarelli said, "Tragically, Landon suffered abuse and trauma over the span of his short life. We intend to prosecute this case with the dignity and honor Landon deserves." Her sentiments were echoed by Delmont Chief of Police T.J. Klobucar, who admitted that in his 25-year career, he had never faced an incident of this magnitude.
This shocking case is a grim reminder of the vital importance of vigilance and reporting suspected child abuse, to protect our society's most vulnerable members.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Lauren Maloberti, the boy's adoptive mother, and her husband, Jacob Maloberti, a correctional officer by profession, are now facing a slew of charges that include criminal homicide, first-degree murder, and endangering the welfare of children. Moreover, both of them have been slapped with two counts of aggravated assault of a child and criminal conspiracy, according to official reports.
The victim was identified as 5-year-old Landon Maloberti. On January 30, the child was found unconscious at home and promptly rushed to Allegheny Health Network Hempfield. His condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating a transfer to Children's Hospital for specialized medical treatment. Despite the medical team's best efforts, Landon succumbed to his severe injuries a week later, on February 7.
DA Ziccarelli detailed the shocking extent of the abuse Landon suffered during a press conference covered by WTAE-TV. She reported that the child sustained blunt force trauma to his head, neck, torso, and extremities. His body was marred by a cruel tapestry of bruises, some fresh, others in different stages of healing, a silent testament to the sustained and systematic abuse. Even more alarming was the report of "prolonged and intensive medical interventions" preceding his untimely demise.
A physician, having reviewed the case, made a grim determination: Landon had been subject to "multiple episodes of physical abuse," further compounded by at least two forms of emotional maltreatment. The inflicted injuries were of such severity that they caused "substantial pain," impairing the child's basic functions, including standing, eating, drinking, and even consciousness.
In a devastating verdict, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner classified Landon's death as a homicide. Further investigation led to disturbing revelations about the defendants' behavior after Landon's injuries. A criminal complaint acquired by WPXI-TV revealed that the accused had allegedly waited a full day before seeking medical help for the severely injured boy. The couple appeared relatively unphased by the situation. Lauren Maloberti attempted to explain away Landon's condition to medical staff, claiming he was "wobbly" due to a previous COVID-19 infection.
Medical staff at Children's Hospital painted a tragic picture. They disclosed that Landon had suffered three distinct brain bleeds, a critical condition that had effectively "obliterated" his brain.
Further inquiries conducted by the police included interviews with the victim's siblings. As per WPXI reports, the children stated that their mother regularly disciplined Landon, who, according to her, was "hard to learn his lesson." She allegedly used an open hand, a wooden spoon, or a spray bottle to administer the physical punishment. Disturbingly, coworkers reported Lauren Maloberti openly expressing her disdain for her adopted son, stating she "hated" him and found him "hard to love."
The detectives reportedly examined text exchanges between the accused couple from April 2022 through February 2023. The messages were allegedly filled with overt expressions of disdain for Landon. Further distressing information emerged when Landon's maternal grandmother told police that her daughter had stopped her from seeing the boy because "he was bad." Even during the festive period, the grandmother was not allowed to see her grandson.
In a solemn statement, DA Ziccarelli said, "Tragically, Landon suffered abuse and trauma over the span of his short life. We intend to prosecute this case with the dignity and honor Landon deserves." Her sentiments were echoed by Delmont Chief of Police T.J. Klobucar, who admitted that in his 25-year career, he had never faced an incident of this magnitude.
This shocking case is a grim reminder of the vital importance of vigilance and reporting suspected child abuse, to protect our society's most vulnerable members.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com