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Landon Maloberti was taken to a hospital after becoming unconscious in January — a week later he was dead, the Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli explained in a press conference on Friday.
In the months since Landon's passing an investigation into his adoptive parents has been conducted and on Thursday, Jacob "Jake" and Lauren Maloberti were arrested on numerous charges in connection with his death, including criminal homicide.
The medical team at UPMC Children's Hospital was the first to alert authorities to Landon's abuse. The medical staff noted serious injuries and malnourishment which caused substantial pain, making him unable to stand, eat, or drink, according to Ziccarelli's statement to the press.
Landon's official cause of death was “Blunt force trauma to head, neck, torso, extremities” and the manner was "homicide," Ziccarrelli 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," Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli said. "I thank the tireless team of investigators, Assistant District Attorneys, the incredible medical and social services team at UPMC Children’s, AHN Hempfield, and the many assisting agencies in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties who have worked collaboratively as we pursue justice for Landon.”
Before Landon died, the family launched a GoFundMe, to cover the medical costs and later it was changed to cover the funeral costs. Their friends posted on social media urging people to donate to "help this young couple with the extra cost and unimaginable heartache they are going through." The campaign was removed from the GoFundMe site by Saturday, July 29, 2023.
A GoFundMe spokesperson reached out to Daily Voice and shared the following statement:
"GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and we cooperate with law enforcement investigations of those accused of wrongdoing. The fundraiser has been removed from our platform and donors may request a refund via the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee."
Landon "loved to play with monster trucks and cars, singing country music at the top of his lungs and eating pickles," according to his obituary.
In addition to his parents, who are awaiting their preliminary hearings in the Westmoreland County Jail after being denied bail, Landon is survived by his five siblings; paternal grandmother, Tammy Kemerer; and his maternal grandparents; Sergio and Lisa Buchinsky Dilascio, as stated in his obituary.
The custody arraignment for the five siblings was not shared by authorities.
Lauren Maloberti, 34, of Delmont, is charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first degree, endangering the welfare of children, two counts of aggravated assault of a child, and criminal conspiracy, according to the DA and court records.
Jacob Maloberti, 33, of Delmont, is charged with criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of children, two counts of aggravated assault, and criminal conspiracy, according to the DA, Delmont police, and court records.
“In the 25 years I have been working for the Delmont Police Department, we have never faced an incident like this," Delmont Police Chief T.J. Klobucar said. "All of the officers with Delmont Police worked many long hours on this case with the District Attorney’s Office. I want to thank the community of Delmont for their support and patience while this case was investigated."
The couple will have a joint preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Charles R. Conway at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2023, according to their court dockets.
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