PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: In a heart-wrenching case that has left a community in shock, Lauren Maloberti, 34, and Jacob Maloberti, 33, are facing charges of brutally beating their five-year-old adopted son, Landon, to death. The couple, residing in Pennsylvania, has been accused of inflicting severe blunt-force trauma to the child's head and neck.
The unfolding tragedy
The disturbing events unfolded when the couple brought an unresponsive Landon to AHN Hempfield Neighborhood Hospital on January 30, claiming he had been "wobbly from COVID a month prior." Hospital staff at the Greensburg, Pennsylvania facility were alarmed by Lauren's lack of urgency upon arrival, as the couple had allegedly waited an entire day before seeking medical attention for the injured child.
The couple's actions came under scrutiny after doctors at the hospital discovered that Landon had suffered three bleeds on the brain, with his brain being described as "obliterated" due to the assault. Doctors expressed shock at the significant injuries, asserting that the parents should have immediately called 911 for help.
Brazen online fundraiser
Just two days after inflicting the life-threatening injuries on Landon, Lauren set up a GoFundMe page, initially seeking assistance with legal fees. The fundraiser, which has since been taken down, raised $5,350 as she pleaded for sympathy, unaware of her adopted son's impending death. Lauren wrote: "Tragedy struck our family when our precious baby boy went unresponsive. I rushed him to the ER and they intubated him and he's been unresponsive ever since. the outcome is not looking good. As we were in the hospital CPS took away our parental rights pending the investigation. I'm devastated. We are devastated. We both need good attorneys. My kids are my world. Any little bit helps us as we navigate life right now with our new uncertainty. Help us fight I can't live without our kids. I'm already losing my boy." She updated the page later to reflect the devastating reality, stating that they had to prepare for the "most unimaginable outcome."
Disturbing accusations
During the investigation, law enforcement interviewed Landon's siblings, who revealed shocking details about the abusive environment he had endured. They stated that Landon was regularly spanked by their mother, Lauren, because he "did not learn his lesson." Lauren reportedly used her open hand, a wooden spoon, or even a spray bottle to inflict punishment on the young boy.
Former colleagues of Lauren confirmed that she displayed disdain for Landon and found him "hard to love." Police also uncovered text messages allegedly sent by both parents, which showed further evidence of their disdain for the child. Lauren, in one of the messages, was accused of saying she was "going to kill him."
Charges and legal proceedings
Jacob has been charged with criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of children, criminal conspiracy, and two counts of aggravated assault of a child. Lauren faces the same charges as her husband, with an additional count of first-degree murder. The Westmoreland County District Attorney, Nicole Ziccarelli, stated that Landon's injuries caused substantial pain, rendering him unable to stand, eat, or drink, and eventually resulting in his tragic death.
"Landon had blunt force trauma to his head and neck, blunt force trauma to his torso, and blunt force trauma to his extremities. His injuries caused substantial pain at the time they were inflicted, with impairment of function including the inability to stand, inability to eat or drink, and loss of consciousness," Ziccarelli said in a statement. "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. Landon also had prolonged and intensive medical interventions prior to his death and multiple bruises in different stages of healing."
Calls for justice
The case has shocked the Delmont community, with Delmont police chief TJ Klobucar expressing disbelief, stating he had "never faced an incident like this." Landon's obituary describes him as a loving child who enjoyed playing with toy trucks, singing country music, and eating pickles.
Landon's biological grandmother, Kathie Sheffler, revealed her anguish at not being able to see signs of abuse until April 2022 when Lauren stopped allowing her access to Landon. She called for justice for the "sweet little boy" and expressed deep sorrow over his tragic death.
Where are Lauren and Jacob Maloberti's other children?
Both Lauren and Jacob Maloberti are currently held without bond in Westmoreland County Prison and are scheduled to appear in court again on August 8. Their five other children have been removed from their care and are now safe, as investigations continue into the shocking case of child abuse and homicide, per CBS Pittsburgh.
