Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source
Podcast: Pet funeral director accused of burials that didn't happen | TribLIVE.com
From The Newsroom

Podcast: Pet funeral director accused of burials that didn't happen

Zachary Gibson
8484863_web1_vnd-verebfuneralhome3-07032024
TribLive
Patrick Vereb owner of Vereb Funeral Home pictured Friday July 5, 2024 in Harrison.
8484863_web1_vnd-verebstories100-043025
TribLive
Donna Constantine, of Hempfield Township has 7 pets cremated and three that were from Pet Haven in Greensburg that once used Vereb Funeral Home in Natrona Heights as a service but, only Alex her cat fits the time frame Vereb Funeral Home that is being investigated. Alex died 6-25-2021 at the age of 17. Pet Haven currently has there own on site crematoria.

A longtime funeral director in Pittsburgh is facing felony charges after authorities say he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from grieving pet owners, some of whom were unknowingly given ashes that did not belong to their animals.

Patrick Vereb, who ran a pet cremation business in Pittsburgh and Natrona, is accused of defrauding thousands of clients between 2021 and 2024. Investigators say the number of potential victims could exceed 6,500, making the alleged scheme one of significant scope and emotional impact.

The case has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting widespread public outrage and calls for accountability. As the criminal investigation unfolds, community members and victims alike are seeking answers and justice.

TribLive reporters Tawnya Panizzi and Haley Daugherty break down the key developments, their reporting process, and the public response to this developing story.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Zachary Gibson is a Tribune-Review digital producer. You can contact Zachary at zgibson@triblive.com.

Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.

Get Ad-Free >

Categories: From the Newsroom | Local | Pittsburgh | Valley News Dispatch
Content you may have missed