Motion in 1976 slaying case withdrawn
The attorney for a Masontown woman accused of drowning her 2-year-old son in 1976 withdrew a motion to suppress statements she gave to police. Masciarelli’s attorney indicated to Fayette County Judge Steve P. Leskinen that he did not have expert testimony to present in support of his motion that Glinda Masciarelli, 54, might have been mentally ill and unable to give her consent to talk to police.
She was arrested in 2006 after state police re-examined the case. During an interview, Masciarelli reportedly told police she lied 30 years ago when she said a man kidnapped her son, Alfred Masciarelli Jr., on Sept. 26, 1976. She reportedly told police she harmed her son, but could not remember how.
The child was found dead in 11/2 feet of water in a creek near Masciarelli’s home in Georges Township.
Attorney Nicholas Timperio, who represents Masciarelli, said his expert cannot say that Masciarelli has been and is still mentally able to know what she’s doing. Timperio said Masciarelli consented to him withdrawing the motion.
“Based on discussions with our expert, we have no choice,” he said.
Discovery documents filed last year indicated that Masciarelli had made visits to mental health agencies in the past.
Masciarelli is free on $125,000 bond. Last year, Judge John F. Wagner Jr. granted her bond.
During her bail hearing, Masciarelli testified that she had been seeing a mental health professional for at least 30 years to help her deal with sleep walking problems.
A trial date has not yet been set.