Greensburg, PA – A Westmoreland County jury convicted a Delmont woman of third-degree murder after prosecutors said her 5-year-old adoptive son endured months of abuse, torture, and medical neglect before dying from catastrophic injuries.
Lauren Maloberti, 36, was found guilty following a nearly two-week trial that detailed the final days of Landon Maloberti, a child prosecutors said arrived at a hospital in January 2023 covered in injuries and unresponsive. Jurors also convicted Maloberti on two counts of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, and conspiracy.
Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced the verdict Thursday, calling the case one of the most sensitive and complex investigations handled by prosecutors and detectives.
Prosecutors Presented More Than 45 Witnesses
According to investigators, Westmoreland County Detectives and Delmont Police launched the case after Landon was taken to AHN Hempfield in January 2023. Medical staff reported suspicions of severe child abuse after the boy arrived unresponsive.
Landon died a week later from multiple blunt force injuries, including what prosecutors described as a catastrophic brain injury.
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During the nine-day trial, prosecutors called more than 45 witnesses, including pediatric child abuse experts, forensic pathologists, and medical professionals who testified about the extent of the child’s injuries.
Experts told jurors Landon had more than 100 injuries across his body at the time of his death, with wounds in various stages of healing. A pediatric child abuse expert classified the abuse as child torture and medical neglect.
Assistant District Attorneys Adam Barr and Cassidy Hatten argued Lauren Maloberti inflicted the injuries and delayed seeking medical care until the boy’s condition became fatal.
Key Points
• Lauren Maloberti convicted of third-degree murder in death of 5-year-old adoptive son
• Prosecutors said Landon Maloberti suffered more than 100 injuries before dying
• Jury also found Maloberti guilty of aggravated assault and child endangerment
District Attorney Says Child “Deserved Justice”
District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli praised investigators and prosecutors after the conviction, saying the case required extensive coordination and emotional endurance from everyone involved.
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“From the onset of this investigation, it has been a sensitive and complex case to navigate,” Ziccarelli said in a statement. “I am incredibly impressed with our team of prosecutors and detectives who worked relentlessly to investigate and present this case with care and compassion.”
“Landon deserved justice and I believe we accomplished that today,” she added.
The case drew significant attention in Westmoreland County because of the severity of the allegations and the testimony surrounding the child’s injuries.
Child’s Father Also Faces Homicide Charges
Jacob Maloberti also faces criminal homicide charges connected to Landon’s death and remains awaiting court proceedings, according to prosecutors.
Authorities have not announced a sentencing date for Lauren Maloberti following Thursday’s conviction.
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The investigation into Landon’s death involved Westmoreland County Detectives, Delmont Police, medical experts, and prosecutors who spent months reviewing medical records and forensic evidence before filing homicide charges in July 2023.
Lauren Maloberti remained in custody following the verdict, and the criminal case against Jacob Maloberti remains active.
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