On August 7, 2013, Melissa Rocuba was found with a fatal bullet wound to her head, and her husband, Bruno Rocuba, sustained a hand injury. Initially, Bruno claimed the shooting was an accident, stating his .40 caliber pistol discharged while he was checking its chamber after arriving home.
Initial Investigation and Doubts
Melissa Rocuba succumbed to her injuries three days after the shooting. The manner of death was initially left pending, and Bruno was not charged due to perceived insufficient evidence. Family members, including Melissa's daughters Chelsea and Sabrina Rocuba, and sister Joanne Swinney, noted inconsistencies in Bruno's account and behavior. They reported:
- Bruno spent limited time at Melissa's hospital bedside and was absent at her death.
- He asked his daughters to delete text messages from Melissa's phone and dispose of the blood-stained mattress and other personal belongings, including Melissa's dog.
- Two weeks prior to her death, Melissa reportedly told Chelsea that Bruno had previously threatened her with a gun.
- Months after Melissa's death, Bruno began a relationship with Tonia Wilczewski, the wife of a couple they had dined with on the night of the shooting. Tonia moved in with Bruno within months.
- Approximately 18 months after the shooting, Chelsea stated that Bruno admitted he "didn't mean to kill her, I just tried to scare her," and that an argument had preceded the shooting. Chelsea reported this to police, but no immediate action was taken.
- Bruno also took control of Melissa's $300,000 estate, with daughters signing documents that relinquished their rights.
Case Reopened and New Evidence
In 2020, Corporal Greg Allen of the Pennsylvania State Police reopened the investigation, noting inconsistencies in Bruno's 911 call, where he offered three different accounts of the incident, including a statement that they "were fighting." Corporal Dan Nilon, also part of the investigation, found several red flags:
- The firearm used had two safeties, making an accidental discharge difficult.
- Bruno's reenactment of the shooting position contradicted blood and ballistics evidence found on the wall behind where he claimed to be sitting.
- A home security system DVR recorded audio of Melissa and Bruno arguing upon their arrival home, which continued inside the house until the gunshot. The enhanced audio, processed by an FBI crime lab, revealed cursing, yelling, and Melissa stating, "F*** you," "Shut up," and "I didn't do anything." Sounds of objects being thrown were heard seconds before the shot.
- Forensic pathologist Dr. Wayne Ross concluded that Bruno was likely on top of Melissa, holding and threatening her with the gun, and the shot occurred during a struggle. Blood spatter indicated a sweeping motion of Bruno's hand after it was struck.
Arrest, Plea Deal, and Sentencing
On June 2, 2022, an arrest warrant was issued for Bruno Rocuba. He was apprehended the following day and charged with Melissa Rocuba's murder and theft related to her estate. Bruno maintained his plea of not guilty, asserting the shooting was accidental. However, facing trial and substantial evidence including his contradictory statements, the security footage, and forensic analysis, a plea deal was reached in May 2024. Bruno Rocuba pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, with the theft charge being dropped.
On January 8, 2025, Bruno Rocuba was sentenced to 12 to 40 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole starting in 2035. Family members expressed mixed feelings about the outcome, acknowledging justice for Melissa but also the loss of their father and grandfather.
Subsequent Tragedy
On March 10, 2025, Chelsea Cicio's son, Greg, who was 13 years old, died in an All-Terrain Vehicle accident.