Current:Home > BackHuman remains found in former home of man convicted in wife's murder, Pennsylvania coroner says-LoTradeCoin
Human remains found in former home of man convicted in wife's murder, Pennsylvania coroner says
View Date:2024-12-24 10:12:56
Human remains have been found in the former residence of a man convicted last week of murder in the death of his wife, authorities in Pennsylvania said.
The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat reports that 48-year-old Brian Giles lived with Nancy Giles in an apartment in the Johnstown house before she went missing in October 2018. Her remains were found in May 2019 in a shallow grave near a trail on the Inclined Plane hillside in downtown Johnstown.
Jurors in Cambria County deliberated for about an hour Thursday before convicting Brian Giles of first-degree murder and aggravated assault in the death of Nancy Giles, CBS affiliate WTAJ-TV reported. As he was led from the courtroom, Giles said he wanted people to know he is innocent. Defense attorney Timothy Burns, who had cited his client's report of mental health struggles, called the outcome "disappointing" and said the defense would explore its options.
On Friday, authorities searched Giles' former residence in the city's Kernville section after a report of a possible body. Coroner Jeffrey Lees confirmed that human remains were found in the basement, calling the death "highly suspicious" and vowing a lengthy and methodical investigation.
Lees said after an autopsy Saturday that the remains would be taken to Mercyhurst University in Erie on Monday for more forensic investigation, and after receiving those results and other information he would make a ruling on the cause and manner of death. Identification of the remains would be a top priority, he said.
Authorities have said that Jilly Todaro, Giles' girlfriend after the disappearance of his wife, also lived at the apartment and disappeared in December 2020. Todaro remains missing and officials would not confirm whether the search is related to that case, in which no charges have been filed.
Burns, who represented Giles in the trial over the death of Nancy Giles, declined comment Sunday on the discovery of the remains.
During closing arguments during the murder trial, prosecutors argued that Brian Giles was verbally abusive to Nancy Giles and would not allow her to have a cellphone, WTAJ reported.
"He (Giles) disposed of her (Nancy) body with the same degradation he showed in the years prior for her," Cambria County Assistant District Attorney Jessica Aurandt said. "Giles had the motive, the opportunity and the stories ready."
Aurandt also argued that there was no forensic evidence of the crime because Brian Giles made sure there wouldn't be. He also allegedly misled the police and took down missing person posters, Aurandt said.
- In:
- Pennsylvania
- Murder
veryGood! (453)
Related
- A growing and aging population is forcing Texas counties to seek state EMS funding
- Chrysler recalls 332,000 vehicles because airbag may not deploy during crash
- Texas deputy fatally shot during search for suspect in assault on pizzeria clerk
- Rep. Bob Good files for recount in Virginia GOP congressional primary
- The Best Corduroy Pants Deals from J.Crew Outlet, Old Navy, Levi’s & More, Starting at $26
- Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's daughter Violet urges Los Angeles officials to oppose mask bans, says she developed post-viral condition
- 14-foot crocodile that killed girl swimming in Australian creek is shot dead by rangers, police say
- Headstone salesman charged in alleged scam involving hundreds of grieving customers
- Drone footage captures scope of damage, destruction from deadly Louisville explosion
- Tennessee Army vet charged with murder, assault in attacks on 2 unhoused men
Ranking
- Kevin Costner says he hasn't watched John Dutton's fate on 'Yellowstone': 'Swear to God'
- Groceries are expensive, but they don’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to save
- AI-generated jokes funnier than those created by humans, University of Southern California study finds
- Starliner astronauts say they're 'comfortable' on space station, return still weeks away
- 'I heard it and felt it': Chemical facility explosion leaves 11 hospitalized in Louisville
- Cillian Miller's Journey in Investment and Business
- Houston keeps buckling under storms like Beryl. The fixes aren’t coming fast enough
- United Airlines jet makes unscheduled landing in Florida after a passenger fights with a crew member
Recommendation
-
Eva Longoria calls US 'dystopian' under Trump, has moved with husband and son
-
DBW Token: Elevating AI Financial Navigator 4.0 to New Heights
-
Nicolas Cage's son Weston Cage arrested months after 'mental health crisis'
-
House rejects GOP effort to fine Attorney General Garland for refusal to turn over Biden audio
-
Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia Explains Why She’s Not Removing Tattoo of Ex Zach Bryan’s Lyrics
-
Wildfire risk rises as Western states dry out amid ongoing heat wave baking most of the US
-
Tennessee Army vet charged with murder, assault in attacks on 2 unhoused men
-
Blake Lively Reveals the “Best Compliment” She’s Received in Her Life