Judge declines to lower bond for Monessen woman charged with attempted murder

A Westmoreland County judge on Tuesday rejected a bond request from a Monessen woman awaiting trial for the attempted murder of a neighbor.

Tiffany Grogan-Howard, 38, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment in connection with a Nov. 25 incident in which police contend she stabbed her 27-year-old neighbor at least 10 times.

According to court records, police said Grogan-Howard stabbed a neighbor at Highland Manor after she refused a request for a loan.

Grogan-Howard has been in jail on $250,000 bond since her arrest. In court on Tuesday, she claimed her speedy trial rights have been violated and, as a result, should be released on nominal bond.

Defense attorney Jack Manderino argued an order signed this year to set aside the speedy trial rules amid the coronavirus pandemic has since expired and that Grogan-Howard’s case should have been put before a jury in August, the first month trials resumed in Westmoreland County.

Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani said that Grogan-Howard’s trial is currently scheduled to begin this month and rejected the defense’s argument.

The defense also claimed the case against Grogan-Howard is compromised because the alleged victim is not likely to testify for the prosecution.

“She is telling people she doesn’t want to testify. It’s a Monessen thing, judge, when something is over people are ready to let it go,” Manderino said.

Assistant District Attorney Allen Powanda said Haley Aldrich, who police contend sustained knife wounds to her head, neck and arms, testified against Grogan-Howard at a preliminary hearing last year and expects her to do so again at trial.