x
Breaking News
More () »

Couple Guilty of Murder in Poconos Neglect Case

STROUDSBURG — After seven and a half hours of deliberations, jurors in Monroe County found John and Tina Tedesco of Saylorsburg guilty of third-degree mur...

STROUDSBURG -- After seven and a half hours of deliberations, jurors in Monroe County found John and Tina Tedesco of Saylorsburg guilty of third-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, neglect tampering with evidence and theft, for the 2011 death of 70-year-old Barbara Rabins.

Neither wanted to speak after learning the verdict Friday night. Tina Tedesco covered her face in court and cried.

Prosecutors said the couple stole thousands of dollars from 70-year-old Rabins, a woman they were supposed to be caring for, who had suffered a stroke.

Investigators said the Tedescos left Rabins alone in an apartment in deplorable living conditions. She died after choking on food. At the time, investigators said Rabins was covered in feces and sores.

"A very intensive investigation.  A lot of loose ends gathered up, and I'm glad the jury was able to see justice with this verdict,” said First Assistant Monroe County D.A. Mike Mancuso.

The Tedescos said they did the best they could to care for Rabins.

As the verdict was read in court Friday night, Tina Tedesco covered her face and began to cry.

"I think the system doesn't work. In Pennsylvania, no. If she was in New Jersey, she would be out,” said Tina’s mother, Louisa Finamore.

“They tried their best, the lawyers, so what are you going to do? There's nothing they could do,” said John Tedesco’s aunt, Linda Ujfalussy.

The Tedescos are scheduled to be sentenced on October 26 in Monroe County Court.

Before You Leave, Check This Out