The trial for the Delmont mother accused of torturing and killing her adopted son has been scheduled to begin in early May.
Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Mears issued a court order setting jury selection to begin May 4 for Lauren Maloberti, 36.
She faces charges that include first-degree murder in connection with the February 2023 death of 5-year-old Landon Maloberti.
Prosecutors claim Lauren Maloberti and her husband, Jacob Maloberti, 35, beat, starved and emotionally and physically abused the child.
At a pretrial hearing last year, doctors testified the child suffered dozens of bruises and other physical injuries, was deprived of nutrition, forced to drink from a toilet and forced to forage for food in the family kitchen after bedtime. Doctors also testified the boy was humiliated by his parents and isolated from other family members, neighbors and school.
Prosecutors also contend the Malobertis failed to seek medical help for their son.
Both parents are charged with murder.
Both have denied responsibility for their son’s death.
They remain in Westmoreland County Prison without bond. Since their arrest, they have notified the court they now have divergent defenses. As a result, their cases will be prosecuted separately.
Defense attorney Ken Noga, who represents Jacob Maloberti, previously said evidence in the case points to Lauren Maloberti as the person responsible for the child’s torture and death. Jacob Maloberti’s case late last year was removed from the list of pending trials, but both prosecutors and Noga have not confirmed whether plea talks have been conducted or if Jacob Maloberti will testify against his wife.
Adam Gorzelsky, Lauren Maloberti’s lawyer, said Friday he has not received formal notification that Jacob Maloberti will be a prosecution witness at his wife’s trial.
