Attorneys ask for Jacob Larosa to be evaluated for fitness to stand trial

Staff report

WARREN

Attorneys for Jacob Larosa, 16, who is charged with killing his elderly neighbor March 31, 2015, at her home on Cherry Street in Niles, are asking for their client to be evaluated to determine whether he is mentally competent to stand trial.

No ruling has been issued by the judge in the case, W. Wyatt McKay of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

During Larosa’s juvenile proceedings, an evaluation determined he has attention deficit disorder, mood disorder and “some mental-health issues” dating back to age 8 – but not mental illness.

Larosa, of Lafayette Avenue in Niles, is charged with aggravated murder, attempted rape, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary in the death of Marie Belcastro, 94. Larosa, of Lafayette Avenue, was 15 at the time.

Larosa’s next hearing is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. A hearing to determine whether to suppress evidence gathered during the investigation was recently moved back to Jan. 27.

Larosa remains locked up in the county jail.

Juvenile Court Judge Sandra Stabile Harwood transferred the case from juvenile court to adult court in November 2015, saying Larosa has a “history of behavioral issues dating back to early childhood” and a “history of disregard for any treatment or sanctions that have been offered through the juvenile system.”

Prosecutors say Larosa beat Belcastro to death inside her home, dragged her throughout the house and beat her severely. DNA evidence, including a liquor bottle, links Larosa to the crimes, prosecutors said.