Arnold man ruled competent to stand trial in mother's stabbing death

An Arnold man charged in the fatal stabbing of his mother last summer has been ruled competent to stand trial.

Brian Rebold, 38, has been in jail since he was charged with criminal homicide and first-degree murder Aug. 4 in connection with the death of his 73-year-old mother outside her Liberty Avenue home.

Police said Rebold stabbed his mother multiple times during a dispute.

According to court records, the body of Diana Rebold was found wounded in the street with her son standing nearby. Police said Rebold confessed to stabbing his mother in the throat and back. Detectives also identified multiple stab wounds to her head.

The homicide case against Rebold has been on hold for months as defense attorneys questioned his mental competency after concerns arose during a detainer hearing. Prosecutors sought to revoke Rebold’s parole on an unrelated terroristic threats conviction.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Mears on Tuesday said an independent psychologist determined Rebold was competent to assist lawyers in defense of the pending revocation case and the new homicide charges.

Rebold is scheduled to appear before New Kensington District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr. in late January for a preliminary hearing in the murder case. Assistant District Attorney Adam Barr said prosecutors will seek to accelerate the hearing.

Rebold pleaded guilty last April to the one misdemeanor count of terroristic threats and was sentenced to time served to 23 months in jail, was paroled and ordered to participate in a mental health treatment program.

In court documents made part of his guilty plea, Rebold reported earlier this year he had previously been diagnosed and was being treated for schizophrenia.

According to court records, Rebold has other prior convictions related to acts of violence, including convictions for assaulting three people at the New Kensington YMCA in 2020 and for an assault while incarcerated at the county jail last year.

He pleaded guilty to the assault at the jail in July, just two weeks before the fatal stabbing, and was sentenced to 8 to 23 months behind bars. He was paroled after given credit for time served.