District Attorney

Nicole W. Ziccarelli
First Assistant District Attorney Delmont Police Chief
Chuck Washburn T.J. Klobucar
Chief County Detective
Ronald Zona

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2023
NEWS RELEASE
PIO: Melanie Jones / 724-216-2120 / mjones@co.westmoreland.pa.us

Delmont, PA -- Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli and Delmont Police
announce criminal homicide charges in the death of Landon Maloberti, 5, of Delmont.
Westmoreland County Detectives filed criminal complaints Thursday evening, arrest warrants
were issued and the alleged suspects were arrested Thursday evening.
Both defendants are currently in the Westmoreland County Prison and awaiting arraignment.
County Detectives and Delmont Police have been investigating allegations of severe child abuse
since January that ultimately led to the death of Landon Maloberti.
Landon was initially taken to AHN Hempfield on the evening of Monday, January 30, 2023 after
becoming unconscious. Landon was then transported to Children’s Hospital, where he was
under medical care until he passed away Tuesday evening, February 7, 2023.
Landon was in the care and supervision of his adoptive family leading up to his death. A forensic
examination revealed previous injuries and evidence of abuse prior to his death, as well.
District Attorney Ziccarelli confirms criminal charges have been filed against the boy’s adoptive
mother, Lauren Maloberti, and her husband, Jacob Maloberti.
Lauren Maloberti is charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first degree, endangering the
welfare of children, 2 counts of aggravated assault of a child, and criminal conspiracy.
Jacob Maloberti is charged with criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of children, 2
counts of aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy.
District Attorney Ziccarelli said, “Tragically, Landon suffered abuse and trauma over the span of
his short life. We intend to prosecute this case with the dignity and honor Landon deserves. I
thank the tireless team of investigators, Assistant District Attorneys, the incredible medical and
social services team at UPMC Children’s, AHN Hempfield and the many assisting agencies in
Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties who have worked collaboratively as we pursue justice for
Landon.”
Delmont Police Chief T.J. Klobucar added, “In the 25 years I have been working for the Delmont
Police Department, we have never faced an incident like this. All of the officers with Delmont
Police worked many long hours on this case with the District Attorney’s Office. I want to thank
the community of Delmont for their support and patience while this case was investigated.
Finally, I want to thank District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli and her team for their support and
resources that made this arrest possible.”
This remains an ongoing and active investigation.
Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely
accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.