Larosa pleads not guilty to aggravated murder, other charges

WARREN — Jacob Larosa, 16, of Niles pleaded not guilty today to aggravated murder and other charges in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court in the death of his elderly neighbor.

It was his first hearing in adult court after a judge in juvenile court ruled that he should be tried as an adult.

Judge W. Wyatt McKay set Larosa's bond at $3 million.

His next hearing will be at 11 a.m. on Jan. 15.

Judge Sandra Stabile Harwood of juvenile court cited Larosa's "lengthy history of behavior issues extending back to early childhood” and a “history of disregard for any treatment or sanctions that have been offered through the juvenile system,” in requiring him to be tried as an adult.

He also has attention deficit disorder, mood disorder and “some mental-health issues” dating back to age 8 – but not mental illness, Judge Stabile Harwood said during a hearing.

Larosa is charged with aggravated murder, attempted rape, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery in the March 31 beating death of Marie Belcastro, 94, who Larosa knew. Larosa was 15 at the time of the crimes.

Conviction on aggravated murder could result in a sentence of life in prison with no parole, or life in prison with parole eligibility after 20, 25 or 30 years.

Larosa is being held in the Trumbull County Juvenile Justice Center.