Victim's father offers no forgiveness for brother charged in nephew's fatal overdose

Daniel Rebosky told a Westmoreland County judge Tuesday he will not forgive his brother for the role he played in his son’s 2021 overdose death.

“God teaches us to forgive, but I cannot forgive Michael Rebosky because he let this happen,” Daniel Rebosky said during a sentencing hearing for his brother.

Michael Rebosky, 59, of Greensburg was convicted in April of two felony drug counts and a related charge of reckless endangerment in connection with the death of his nephew, 38-year-old Christopher Rebosky of Ohio. He was ordered to serve up to eight years in prison.

Prosecutors said Michael Rebosky facilitated the purchase and use of fentanyl- laced heroin used by his nephew during a visit to his Greensburg home nearly four years ago and failed to seek medical attention as Christopher Rebosky overdosed.

A county jury in April failed to reach a verdict on the most series charge of drug delivery resulting in death against Michael Rebosky. Assistant District Attorney Steven Reddy said prosecutors, with consent of the Rebosky family, decided not to seek a new trial for that remaining count. The jury acquitted Michael Rebosky of two lesser drug charges.

Daniel Rebosky described his son as a trusting man of faith who struggled with mental health and had no history of drug addiction. He blamed the fatal overdose on his brother, whom Daniel Rebosky told the judge has had a long history of drug use and addiction.

“I know my son very well. Chris would never have done drugs if it weren’t for Michael. I also know my brother, and he would do anything to get more drugs,” Daniel Rebosky testified.

Michael Rebosky watched as his brother testified but appeared to avert his eyes as family pictures of father, son and other family members were displayed in court.

“I believe Michael stole Chris’ money then he immediately started to overdose. He left Chris to die as he fueled his drug addiction, then he walked the streets of Greensburg for a year before he was arrested and I never heard from him,” Daniel Rebosky said.

“I was born and raised in Greensburg, and it was a good place to grow up, but it is different to be back in Greensburg now,” he testified.

Prosecutors at trial claimed Michael Rebosky bought heroin and shared one bag with his nephew. Police said Rebosky initially claimed his nephew supplied the fatal dose but revised his story after investigators said they found evidence that he bought the drugs.

Witnesses testified Michael Rebosky failed to initially seek help for his nephew. As the younger man lay unresponsive, Rebosky dragged him to a shower in a failed attempt to help him regain consciousness rather than immediately call for assistance or administer an antidote for the overdose.

Forgiveness sought

Michael Rebosky did not testify during his trial but Tuesday begged his family for forgiveness and pleaded for leniency.

“I am very sorry for what occurred in my home,” he said. “I didn’t do the right thing, and I should have been looking out for my nephew. I lost my family that night, and I am trying now to do the right thing. I plan on never doing drugs again,” Michael Rebosky said.

Reddy said Michael Rebosky’s criminal past dates back to the 1980s and includes a 2015 conviction for drug offenses in connection with another fatal overdose, warranting a lengthy sentence.

“This is a pattern of conduct, and other people have suffered at his hand. There has to be accountability,” Reddy argued.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Michael Stewart II ordered Michael Rebosky to serve a minimum of 45 months in prison. Rebosky has already served more than three years behind bars since his arrest and will be eligible for parole next year.

“Nothing I can do can bring your son back, but hopefully this trial and sentence will bring you closure,” Stewart said.