Delmont couple accused in torture killing of adopted son, 5, to have separate trials

A Delmont couple charged with the torture killing of their adopted 5-year-old son will be prosecuted separately, a Westmoreland County judge ruled.

The move sets the stage for the spouses to blame each other for the February 2023 death of Landon Maloberti, according to Lauren Maloberti’s lawyer.

Lauren Maloberti, 36, is Landon’s mother. His father, Jacob Maloberti, 35, is also charged in Landon’s February 2023 death. Authorities contend the child was beaten, starved and emotionally abused by his parents.

The Malobertis are each charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and related offenses. They are being held in jail without bond.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys confirmed during a Tuesday court appearance an agreement was reached to back Jacob Maloberti’s request for separate trials.

Doctors testified the child suffered dozens of bruises and other physical injuries, was deprived of nutrition, forced to drink from a toilet, forage for food in the family kitchen after bedtime, humiliated by his parents and isolated from other family members, neighbors and school. Prosecutors also contend the Malobertis failed to get medical help for their son.

Jacob Maloberti’s lawyer, Ken Noga, in a previous court hearing said the spouses are expected to have conflicting defenses and suggested evidence points to Lauren Maloberti as the person responsible for the child’s torture and death.

Noga declined to say whether Jacob Maloberti has engaged in plea bargain talks with prosecutors.

“I think you can see where things are going,” Noga said.

Assistant District Attorney Adam Barr confirmed the prosecution consented to the severance of the Maloberti’s cases and referred questions about the decision to District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli.

Ziccarelli’s spokeswoman, Melanie Jones, did not respond to specific questions about Jacob Maloberti’s potential cooperation or a possible plea deal.

“Following today’s hearing, the commonwealth is prepared to proceed toward trial,” Jones said.

Lauren Maloberti’s lawyer, Adam Gorzelsky, said he was caught off guard by the prosecution’s deal with Jacob Maloberti and ongoing communications regarding the separate trials and potential for further plea talks.

“It absolutely sounds like he’s cooperating with the prosecution. I figured sooner or later it was coming, but I don’t know what he said to them,” Gorzelsky said.

Lauren Maloberti’s case is tentatively listed for trial in October. Jacob Maloberti was ordered to appear before Mears in November for a pretrial conference.