Maria Spencer’s Vow to Kill | Full Episode

A woman repeatedly threatened to kill her ex. She enlisted her father to help make good on her promise. Why couldn’t anyone stop her? "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
#48hours #crime #mystery
Crime. Social justice. Impact. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
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[@48hours]

Click here to watch more full episodes of "48 Hours": kzbin.info/aero/PLcFHkKbd_jTJiRmfUfLX2Ay_hnf5j3cxH

[@orionxtc1119]

Don't date/marry crazy

[@susancole5834]

Love the show, not so much the music at the beginning.

[@alejandrovargas7592]

@@susancole5834 ... personally I love the music and graphics

[@jimwerther]

​@@susancole5834 The open is great!

[@ConnieC-xv1js]

​@@orionxtc1119😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@sebsensen]

What's worse than a police department that fails to protect someone who asks for help, is a police department that refuses to recognise their failure.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

The fact he said absolutely no regrets is WILD

[@stumack9755]

@@Alexandra_Wolf its sick!

[@minominmina5672]

Because the police dept is also scared of Maria. Burnt 2 houses? No proofs? Why not investigate her deeper? The police dept, waste of space. Shame on them. They waited for the victim to die before they arrested her. They failed to protect him, i hope their children did not get maria and rocco’s psychopath’s and thugs’ genes.

[@martasplace6414]

​@@Alexandra_WolfI can guarantee, if that happened to him (the DA) or anyone in his family...he would have done it differently! He just wants to cover his @ss!!

[@joanodom2104]

And admit to it!

[@jadentrez]

It really is a shame when a police department and DA's office allow themselves to be intimidated by some small-time petty gangster.

[@chantallvardas0730]

100% only a small-time petty wannabe gangster!!!…

[@bettysmith2142]

Yep

[@evacuevas5506]

A murderer, that should have been stopped.

[@kathykay6602]

I agree 100%. That poklice depto is a disgrace.

[@Offthbadan]

@@chantallvardas0730right. He was sloppy with his crimes and talks like somebody in a movie. I seriously doubt he could break Frank’s face in hand to hand combat.

[@chrise.321]

There should be a law that the victim's children DO NOT live with the killer's family. That is disgusting!!

[@kylehallacappellaman3435]

We don’t know the circumstances. Maybe Frank’s family had no one who was both capable and willing. It’s an enormous task to commit oneself to. It is certainly better than adopting them out to strangers.

[@5GreenAcres]

@@kylehallacappellaman3435 Ok, so lets make the law that IF someone in the decedents family cannot take on the children only THEN can the other family. It is going to take someone who lost someone to rally for this and put it into law.

[@annabambus6572]

Maria being a rotten apple doesn't automatically make her sister one. We often see small to large differences in siblings. Also it seems that Rocos wife left him years ago. Because she made an enormous mistake in marrying him, probably very young, does not make her a bad person. If you have good members left in a family, it's far better to keep children with family. Just very sad there dog can't be with them all the time. But that's a big dog who needs plenty of outside to romp in, and Maria's sister might have to live in a cheaper apartment for work and a school for the kids.

[@rec.thecritic]

That's ridiculous, u can't blame the family for someone's actions is ridiculous

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

RIGHT ?!!

[@kassierobinson636]

Frank and his girlfriend had their houses burned down and recorded threats and harassment by Maria and nothing was ever done? Wth is wrong with the law there??

[@anita6761]

I'd say the law are corrupt!

[@Bia08121975]

The wrong is a corrupt law enforcement department.

[@Daniel_Capital]

If the genders were reversed, Frank would have been in jail long before and maria would be alive

[@sulynn72]

Probably getting kickbacks from somewhere. Another show the chief of police was stealing narcotics and the detective was off harassing blacks for crimes that had absolutely nothing to do with them. There's towns and counties all over the US like this

[@IngridC-m4t]

They're paid by the Mafia! Perhaps?

[@lhr8833]

The prosecutor became her lawyer! This guy slept through his entire ethics class.

[@brandyyolidio4213]

No kidding, he is ruled by the dollar and wild sex probably didn't hurt the deal 🙄

[@lex1216]

Gotta be lol that shyt crazy tho... They failed that man bad!!!!

[@ALINA-eo1cr]

@@brandyyolidio4213 I was thinking the same. He was probably sleeping with that crazy woman, Maria.

[@NijimaSan]

What a catastrophic failure of law enforcement.

[@win4jesse]

par for the course in this country

[@donbuyshousescash4765]

It's nothing new. When a woman makes Threats its not taken seriously.

[@emberdo]

@@donbuyshousescash4765 you're right. I bet it would've looked different if the roles had been reversed.

[@lyndastarwriter]

It's a catastrophic failure by everyone involved to BELIEVE that Maria is wicked...as the peeps involved kept engaging her, not blocking texts, calls, acknowledging her, sleeping with her...That's not the scary part. The scary part is that she is a master manipulator who looks innocent and bears a welcoming smile as you step into her web of deceit and danger.

[@joeytirado4341]

Happens every day all day-most people have/maintain a NAIVE faith that law enforcement can protect us from people seriously intent on hurting others

[@AllOfKee]

I'll say this, these "law enforcement officials" failed this victim tremendously 😢

[@brownwolf152]

Police were afraid of the father.

[@Tuturial464]

@@brownwolf152so what? This sounds like Ken McElroy and Uvalde. Police excuses

[@jimwerther]

Hanlon's Razor is effect. No conspiracy.

[@Beef_it_to_be_fit]

Victim failed himself by not pressing charges.

[@MasterhpIke]

Bro he didn't want to press charges, what do you want?

[@RP6575most]

That father and daughter team are a real piece of work. Such low-life…💔

[@ZeeJuque]

😂😂😂

[@pazza4555]

He's a walking gangster cliche

[@ritawashere5787]

@@ZeeJuque I agree. I was just reading the statement she gave after her sentencing. She said I'm innocent and then she went on to say I'll make the best of it. 😂 What innocent person would make the best of a prison sentence? She's a sociopath, in her mind, she probably thought it makes her look more mild-mannered to say something like that.

[@ritawashere5787]

@@pazza4555 you hit the nail on the head!

[@angelinalozada189]

Super Low Life!

[@Whol3NothaL3v3l]

Very interesting that the fire Marshall or whoever kept saying they couldn't tell the origins of either fire, but when the insurance company sent someone out to the second fire they were able to tell right away. You know something isn't right when an insurance company proves to be more helpful than law enforcement.

[@Myrdden71]

Yes. If "the building burned down so we can't find evidence of arson" is a real thing, then there would be no arsonists in prison. Of COURSE you can find evidence of arson even in a burned building. It's done all the time. This was complacency, or worse.

[@aprilosborn6034]

Between the police department, that crooked DA, and ridiculous fire marshal it's amazing he lived as long as he did, and the girlfriends lucky to be alive. Stay clear of that town.

[@jimwerther]

No one was crooked. Relax.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

Amen. Crooked as they come

[@JulieSmith-x8g]

Maybe crooked but I think they were scared of the family

[@michelle7377]

The cops made a lot of mistakes these children should still have their Father. The fact that Maria's sister is raising these children is very scary to me.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

It's like, when I watch some of these 48 hours episodes I get the feeling the world at large loves when these sick situations happen, and when criminals get "glory stories." I just don't get it and never will.

[@Mansikkacake]

Yeah crazy. psychopath genes.

[@iveliserojas612]

It crazy why her sister has the kids he family should of had them it’s crazy how her family got the kids it disgusting

[@crosales8184]

The children should sue the police department.

[@NorskePatriot1]

I can only imagine how much poison regarding their Father that they are being subjected too. I have a feeling that her side of the family may share the same evil traits. Heartbreaking 💔💔

[@GoldSkye]

The cops sure have a lot of excuses for why they let that man get murdered.

[@michellerene3622]

Right!!! I live about 90min from this amd never heard about it until this youtube video

[@Unqualifiedtake]

They are powerless to help people, only punish

[@NijimaSan]

The way they keep twisting themselves into pretzels, trying to explain and excuse their incompetence and apathy, you’d think they were world class gymnasts instead of police officers.

[@MrPocketfullOfSteel]

@@NijimaSan That was pretty good. *lol*

[@mookta]

acab

[@Tenita79]

What a miscarriage of justice. This man’s blood is on the local PD’s hands. That woman should have been in jail!

[@lex1216]

Facts!!!!

[@classaction3314]

Exactly

[@gib59er56]

That woman is the definition of psychopathic narcissist. And this is one more case that fuels my dislike and trust regarding cops and corruption on every level.

[@derrickmiller2755]

So her screaming “ your house is next” wasn’t a confession? In public in front of a lot of witnesses

[@TheRetroWoman80]

I look at her face, particularly her eyes, and see there was possibly aesthetic bias, or disarming. I bet my money they probably thought she was too beautiful to be doing these things.

[@laurenmay2098]

​@TheRetroWoman80 I bet you money if she was a Latin or African descendent, she was in prison way before anyone was dead. I'm just saying how being white and having money do in this country.

[@summer2786]

Doesn't look beautiful just evil

[@Raucous_Emojis]

@@summer2786 Could you have missed the point any more dramatically?

[@helenatube]

@@Raucous_Emojis Could you?

[@badgurl5758]

This is a true case of hating your ex more than you love your children. Rest Easy Frank 💔

[@TheStar798]

Yup. Those poor children 😢

[@TheRetroWoman80]

​@@TheStar798Toxic wasteland,yep. And she was lucky to have them, not the other way around. They were fortunate to have the Dad they had.

[@summer2786]

The children look evil like their mother.

[@badgurl5758]

@@summer2786 children are not born monsters.. their created. Those children are innocent and left without parents. Its not their fault they were birthed by a murderer.

[@jomsShoots]

Man, that has been said about a million times. We all get it.

[@jjwallnutts]

The police say every threat was investigated, but they never even asked her about any of them. What a joke.

[@Tuturial464]

The threat was their own biased opinions and lack of reasoning. I would be cautious and safe than sorry

[@TheRetroWoman80]

The pride of the blue will never yield, unfortunately.

[@eileenentler8993]

Exactly -- 48 Hours used recordings with Maria's own voice, so WHY didn't the police use audio and digital forensics to prove that that WAS Maria on those recordings and that those WERE threats? Kinda makes you wonder if THEY were afraid of Daddy

[@stumack9755]

Evidence lying everywhere! Took the ins marshall to see clues.

[@williamskipper3776]

.....and the only ones laughing are the murderers....

[@Aaa0483]

I hope Franks kids can see this interview and realize how great and amazing Father he was.

[@espionage6]

That officer saying he and his department wouldn’t do anything differently tells you all you need to know about police accountability.

[@chloedoritoloco8537]

They are absolutely incapable of performing a root cause analysis, identifying their failures, and committing to improvement. I don’t know why this is so difficult for them

[@williamskipper3776]

Especially in this place. I'm glad I don't live there.

[@clhowy87]

About THAT police depts accountability

[@Brendan-Black]

​@@clhowy87It's an extremely common trend with police departments all across America.

[@clhowy87]

@@Brendan-Black extremely common with police depts ALL OVER the country huh? Vague sweeping accusation based on what statistics? Quit with all the bad cops are the norm and not the exception dooms day crap

[@jordantrenchard2739]

People have been arrested for a lot less and with much less evidence proving their guilt. Frank was failed horribly in this case.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

1000 percent.

[@Wft-bu5zc]

Seriously are PA police just totally useless? Wtf is this

[@yadirasmith2430]

Exactly!!

[@mrbrightside7193]

The fact that she had that house burned down with the dog in it is a different level of evil.

[@helenatube]

She let her children's beloved pet dog die so SHE could get her revenge on a man who simply wasn't interested in being married to her anymore and had been nothing but responsible and faithful to her and their children up to that point.

[@MissBlurryFace]

Yes. Thats pure evil. Its so sad that the dog died that way. And the husband was killed so horribly.

[@latinaalma1947]

Evil woman.

[@iMatchEnergyLikeABoss]

The police department failed Frank miserably.

[@dalehoward3704]

Unfortunately they don't take it seriously if it's the female doing the abusing/stalking.

[@peachyrider9987]

@@dalehoward3704that is BS and a terrible excuse. They didn't do their jobs period. Corruption ran deep in that town esp with the fire Marshall. It was an "epic fail of the police department." What's new with most cops in the USA.

[@nbaoldgirl]

@@dalehoward3704I think that’s true, at this police station at least.

[@nbaoldgirl]

@@peachyrider9987I agree with you as well!💯

[@gena4638]

​@@dalehoward3704I actually agree. Imagine if it were a male threatening to burn someone's house down, then their house burnt down. Imagine a male making these public scenes and leaving threatening voice-mails. It would've been taken much more seriously in my opinion.

[@julie5310]

I can't believe Julie stayed with Frank after he slept with Maria. "She lured him away.", Julie said, like Frank had nothing to do with it!

[@maureenguarracino6958]

I thought I was the only one who heard that!! Wth!?

[@TawnyC_]

Then Maria burns down her house too. What an idiot to stay with him.

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

“Lured”…like it is an excuse.

[@meatavoreNana]

Men are weak ...I'm sure not going to have him back after he dipped his wick in that witch😮

[@jameslomenzo1139]

​@@meatavoreNana😂

[@mischa6688]

Frank Spencer, Charles Vallow…. This is what happens when cops don’t take abuse reported by men/husbands. And these cops have no shame. And this DA, too. The audacity to show their faces and say they did their job. 🤮

[@LeshBreezyyy]

Franks family should take a lawsuit out against the police department. No way that man has put in so many complaints about this crazy woman, especially what she did to his girlfriend’s house, and her constantly texting her and threatening her, Burned his house down and just threatening him.

[@4hrtz26]

She took him away from their own children. That tells you how evil and vindictive she is.

[@ht2007]

And she raised her kids to be as evil as her. Apparently, evil has been handed down from generation to generation in this family!

[@dogtrainer4645]

​@@ht2007what makes you say her kids are evil? Nothing was said about that in this show.

[@sadlad2005]

​@@ht2007How can you say that. Where's your proof.

[@juicyjules7409]

Yes don't alienate kids judges h.......that she lose

[@michellerene3622]

Rocco, at age 76, probably figured he didnt have many years left. My hope is that he lives to 100 and enjoys every minute of his jail sentence.

[@jimwerther]

Both Rocco and Maria appealed their respective convictions based upon ineffective counsel.

[@meleasepolete7509]

Read what happens in ALTON IL PEOPLE IN BLUE DID

[@WILMA_]

I hope so too. How can a father be so cold towards the father of his grandchildren? How?

[@DiAnaPadill]

​@@WILMA_how can a woman be so cold toward the father of her children???

[@WILMA_]

@@DiAnaPadill - that too!

[@MoogieB]

Someone didn’t watch enough Forensic Files there. They missed so much evidence. This is one of the saddest 48 Hours I’ve seen. After all the threats, Frank was destined to be murdered. Horrible police work. I can’t believe that officer agreed to be on this show.

[@istanbuloite]

I’ve watched almost all the 48 videos on KZbin and yet this one is the most tragic for me. The father and the daughter are pure evil.

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

Frank had a dalliance with the devil and thought he wouldn't get burned.. Not that bright

[@MrGrumpyGills]

@@helenmcdonnell2585 Ah yes, some good old victim blaming.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

One of the saddest indeed. This man cried out for help and was essentially ignored, left to be dealt with in whatever whimsical way Maria chose. Justice🙄😔

[@danaknox8025]

Must have started as a rent a cop at at mall.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

This is the most embarrassing police department and DA ever. Hemlock township you should be ashamed and embarrassed and mortified about how you watched crimes be committed and watched in slow motion doing NOTHING.

[@rsstenger5113]

When the insurance company can do better investigating work than the fire department….. 😑

[@Myrdden71]

Yep. Makes you wonder...

[@uhsaywhatnow]

Sounds like Maria’s family owns that police department. Glad to hear justice was finally served…too little too late for Frank and his kids though. Also glad to hear Muttley is well cared for now. I’m glad 48 Hours added that update too.

[@dcdread5983]

And the fire dept. unfortunately

[@Teachingtea]

I was just thinking this!

[@MoonLight-gm6zm]

Great to know that 2 psychopaths, father and daughter, are in prison for life. That deranged evil Maria woman never deserved Frank in the first place. What a huge loss for Frank's loved ones and the community at large. Shame it had to come to this since the law enforcement hadn't intervened beforehand.

[@chantallvardas0730]

How pointless indeed, (to say the least), everything done prior to & including taking Frank’s life, only to then lose their freedom, what for, the inability to accept a deserved divorce, father & daughter are where they both belong…

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

Couldn’t agree more. How can this child have a chance with this family full of sociopathic sick individuals.

[@jameslomenzo1139]

If you listen to the first of the video, Frank liked her crazy ways, even with a new girlfriend, he slept with Maria. Frank just wasn't using wisdom.

[@jamesplymire5342]

The entire town was scared of an old wannabe gangster. 🤦‍♂️ Especially the police and fire marshal. Either scared or paid off. 😮

[@jlieneke7352]

Spot on!

[@MaddestTitan]

Maria: *has the stolen documents in her possession* Cops: We have no way to prove she did it.

[@debcastle2063]

Wow…police and DA failed this man. They have so many excuses as to why they didn’t help the victim. A disgusting display of America’s law enforcement.

[@pixi2209]

🎯🎯🎯🤬🤮

[@redwatch.]

Rocco has seen to many gangster movies and is a legend in his own mind.

[@paulinegallagher7821]

He sounds like Sylvester Stallone on Prozac. Oh wait thats what the real Stallone sounds like.

[@MrOneanddone91]

hahahaha

[@sandraal2585]

Its so sad that her family is the ones rasing her kids. She gets to see them and corrupt their minds making them think its all a lie. I really feel for the kids

[@TheRetroWoman80]

That really sucks.

[@laurenmay2098]

The judge probably thought that it is better for them to see their mother in prison than not see it at all. The well fair of the kids played a role, IMHO. It is better for them not to hate her. One day, they will learn the truth.

[@sandraal2585]

@@laurenmay2098 idk about you but if i grew up and than found out my family lied to me about the truth about my dad I would hate them all and never speak to them again. But thats just me. I hope those kids had some what of a normal life without their parents in such a way

[@laurenmay2098]

@@sandraal2585 yeah, I agree with you. I am not sure we can have a win in this case. The kids are the victims, they will have major problems if they are not being assisted by a very good psychologist. The other thing about this case is how vulnerable he was. He was engaged and went out with Maria and wind up in a motel. Well, to me, he was a problem as well. He didn't deserved to be murdered, but maybe he didn't had a great childhood. I don't know, what I do know is that families are not perfect. Maria was evil, and her father the devil himself. That's different from not being perfect. This case is very sad.

[@sandraal2585]

@@laurenmay2098 yea i agree on that part about going to the motel that was wrong but again he could have still loved her and maybe a small part of him hoped that things would be better than after the house burn down he realized the mistake he made. Not sure what she said or how she got him to go there but those kids will need a lot of help

[@oliviasmith7044]

This story is incredibly sad. Why can’t people just move on. So sad.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Ikr

[@usmcpatriot7546]

It’s a tragedy that that man had to lose his life before anybody would look into this

[@ChocolateMelanin]

The police department & the DA should all go to jail for failing to help Frank & save his life. Franks children should NOT be with Maria’s sister.

[@bocateeca]

When she set Frank's house on fire, she knew the family's dog was inside. That alone shows you what a cruel person she is.

[@jameslomenzo1139]

she was pure evil.

[@6kat103]

Just what I was thinking.

[@rustyvessel5086]

Unless it was a Pomeranian...

[@paulinegallagher7821]

the dog survived

[@6kat103]

@@paulinegallagher7821 Good to know

[@ec-kj4yp]

This is actually horrific. Everyone knew what was going to happen while the police just stood around and shrugged their shoulders. Disgusting. They have this man's blood on their hands.

[@ec-kj4yp]

And the police making all of these excuses about why they didn't do anything is pathetic and disgusting. Jesus, that's hard to watch. Especially that man saying they can't do anything unless they are POSITIVE there can be a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt - that's the whole reason that our justice system exists, so that we can try to convince a jury of that! So disgusting.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

​@@ec-kj4ypJust makes me wonder how they sleep at night. Then again, through video research I've done in the past, a good number of these boys in blue are doing much worse than Maria behind closed doors to their own families.

[@laurenmay2098]

It is a crime to threaten someone's life, they fell him miserably. It is a federal crime to threaten the president's life or judges.

[@donrogers1000]

The biggest criminal gangs in the US, POLICE. Do not ever allow yourself to be interrogated from police without an attorney cause if they suspect you, you will be convicted. Only thing the cops care about is an arrest and the DA only cares about a conviction

[@imstephbella]

I agree with you completely

[@Aspectus]

Those fire investigators are not very impressive. "Yep, it's a fire. Everything is burned up so we can't figure it out."

[@tamarinbush6613]

Yea but another fire investigator comes in and shows them the proof of arson and they still don’t arrest Maria.

[@suranyasengupta2930]

Paid off.

[@tomcoryell]

The house next door to us burned and it was readily apparent that it was arson, yet the inspectors completely missed the clues.

[@crosales8184]

This is the most incompetent police force I've ever seen. I hope the children sue the police department for wrongful death. They failed miserably. They should have arrested her for the threats and for possession of stolen property. They had the evidence but were too lazy to do their job. I hope the children are safe. RIP FRANK 🙏

[@sethmann6397]

The dog's death in the fire alone makes Maria evil.

[@robertdesantis6205]

😢❤🐶

[@evanstrother9137]

These cops and DA's can NEVER admit they're wrong. Our justice system in America needs to start holding law enforcement accountable when they make mistakes...

[@ohhemmgeeitsjeeti]

I agree! If medical professionals are held accountable law enforcement definitely should be as well

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

Medical professionals are not held responsible either, they bury their mistakes

[@ohhemmgeeitsjeeti]

@@helenmcdonnell2585 but I’m a sense they can have their license revoked or suspended just with it being reported is what I’m getting at. Aka effecting their livelihood

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Nope, they don't. My hope is frail that things will ever drastically change. These cases are occurring so often it's surreal.

[@venusbaptiste8210]

Er....that's what Black people been calling for, but were called racist...

[@letscookeasyrecipes2370]

But the arrogance in Maria is crazy. She kept pushing her luck time and again and wasnt afraid to to display it. Madness

[@matthew_brumley]

That woman comes off like she would just sell her soul to the devil and She'd be happy about it, pure evil such a psychopath.

[@zxy78267]

I have never forgotten this case. It's so sad, and beyond frustrating, because I think more could have been done regarding the threats and arsons prior to Frank's death. I think that even with circumstantial evidence, a jury could have found either Maria, her father, or both, guilty of arson. This story is just heartbreaking.

[@michellewilkola]

I love how they gave an update on the the guy we’re most concerned about, the dog.

[@bertoliu7]

Disgusting. Those criminals don't think about their children.

[@gregshell8570]

They use kids and anyone else they can. With a smile.

[@bertoliu7]

@@gregshell8570 You're right.

[@chantallvardas0730]

Useless ‘mother’ & ‘grandfather’

[@bertoliu7]

@@chantallvardas0730 Exactly. Sometimes we don't know who we are getting married to. And that's why things like these happen.

[@JulieRushworth]

Narcissists think only of themselves

[@cathybassett6432]

The incompetence of the cops and the fire marshal's is astounding.

[@TeamCat1128]

The thing about bullies…you have to meet them head on or they won’t stop. Ignoring them just encourages more abuse. RIP Frank and the dog who died in the fire.😢

[@YaLittleFriend]

Absolutely!

[@paulinegallagher7821]

Mutley survived he escaped before the fire.

[@StefParrott]

@@paulinegallagher7821Mutley was the dog that was adopted after the kids’ previous/former dog died in the fire.

[@vmandelaris200]

thank you for including the dog : (

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

HOW MUCH MORE EVIDENCE AND A SELF ADMITTING GUILTY STATEMENTS CAN YOU HAVE!?

[@RameyOwen]

IMO, it almost sounds like several members of the judicial system and law enforcement of Columbia County, PA might have been afraid of Rocko and therefore didn’t properly pursue the threats from Maria and Rocko.

[@susancummings-voncluck9046]

It’s sad to hear that Maria’s sister was awarded custody of the kids.

[@Faristol7]

Maria's kids are the spitting image of her & Rocco, from what l can see in the photos. If their personalities are anything like their mother's and grandfather's, they are right where they belong.

[@Channybrielle]

Imagine losing your son and the family of the woman that killed him are raising his kids. If the sister is anything like her family, I’m sure Franks family hasn’t seen them since he passed. Smh

[@laurenmay2098]

Maybe they are better off with the sister. I am sure they visit her in prison.

[@JulieSmith-x8g]

It won't be good for the kids, as they too will treat others like this, learnt behaviour passed on generation to generation so that alone should be enough to not give custody to her side

[@denisebenedict6102]

There should be a law against minors going to live with the offenders family.

[@Janadu]

Sounds like evil is a family business in this case. Her and her father are both monsters.

[@LadyAtheOnly]

💯🎯💯🎯

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

They didn't become monsters overnight, Frank must have enjoyed it at some point.

[@happycrustacean]

This is a unique case where genders are reversed. It's sad that Frank endured so much abuse, but he still wanted what was best for the kids. If the reports were taken seriously, he'd be alive. It's crazy that she got away with arson, not once but twice. Of course she felt invincible.

[@ballistic350]

Yup if that was frank doing it, it wouldn't have gone that far, they just need to let prisoners handle maria the awesome way😅😅😅

[@aleisaetheridge8682]

​@@ballistic350exactly , that's the only justice most of the time . This woman is a witch and she and her father r just sick and twisted people . I'm so very sorry that the police and the so called DA failed Frank and His family and friends and his Beautiful Sweet Girlfriend .

[@craigime]

it's not unique

[@djc9755]

I, too, wondered why she was found guilty of arson and yet they couldn't find her guilty earlier when it happened, maybe preventing Frank's death.

[@inrptn]

not unique, I've been a victim of domestic violence from a woman.

[@Kathy-p5t5c]

Don't you just love American justice! Life, plus 45 years, I wish we had that kind of justice here.

[@addisonhinson6290]

Where you at?

[@mindyk4]

Come ON people!! STOP HATING YOUR EX MORE THAN YOU LOVE YOUR KIDS! That is one of the most selfish, hurtful things you can do to your kids!

[@GailB0707]

Why would an "expert" need an insurance investigator to lead them to test for gasoline traces on the stairs.

[@mangasmurphy7466]

No one washes their hands of all responsibility as thoroughly and blithely as American law enforcement. "Not our fault; wouldn't dream of doing a single thing differently."

[@Tuturial464]

If it was one of their own their story would change

[@lindseyyoung9149]

​@Tuturial464 This! So true. Such a shame for all the "regular" folks. Lol

[@jimwerther]

Nice job judging 800,000 cops and 3,000 DAs based upon one or two people. Do you do the same with skin color?

[@mangasmurphy7466]

I'm judging the system I've seen for the 60+ years of my life. They "investigate" themselves and find themselves blameless. Even when they settle suits for false arrest, planted evidence or brutality, a claim of "no wrongdoing on the part of the city or police department" is part of the settlement. I don't think refusing to take responsibility is how you improve a flawed system. @@jimwerther

[@Tuturial464]

​@jimwerther753 well they aren't the only ones.

[@brianwebber6996_ROADHUNTER]

I've never been more happy to see someone convicted!! I hope Maria suffers every second for the rest of her miserable life in that cage!! That poor guy was tortured and the pigs were too busy harassing and extorting free and innocent Americans to help him...DISGUSTING!!

[@gregshell8570]

She now has lots of suckers in prison that will believe every word she says. She will be happy as Jodi Arius.

[@MrGrumpyGills]

Bro, calling cops pigs is a very leftist thing to do. Are you a leftist? Mind you, I'm not saying that there aren't corrupt and bad cops out there, but tarring everyone with the same brush is a bit too simple.

[@beehungry6190]

This is the best example of the system failing an abused individual on all levels.

[@karab2786]

the fire marshall couldn’t figure out what caused the fire bc they already knew

[@angeltrujillo8472]

That PD Dept should be investigated by the Justice Dept. How many other crimes have happened and not been pursued because of their corruption and malfeasance?!!?

[@jimwerther]

Oh stop. You don't know that at all. Learn Hanlon's Razor.

[@shimmeringchimps3842]

​@@jimwertherDo you honestly think this PD has been a model of upstanding investigative work for all other cases and this was the one lone case that they completely bungled every step of the way in such a shocking manner for years? Please. You don't understand humanity at all.

[@resaboutb.9566]

"Malfeasance." Perfect description.

[@resaboutb.9566]

@@jimwerther Doesn't fit, nice try.

[@nancyasplico7536]

Correspondent Peter Van Sant is the best..

[@gena4638]

The police department and the justice system failed Frank and his family in such a horrific way. There's NO way they couldn't have done more to prevent this from spiraling so far out of control.

[@TheStar798]

Yup. Off the top of my head: - Arrests after the first arson - definitely after the second - Hidden cameras - A heavy word with Maria & her father - Pulling them in for questioning and arrest after every terroristic threat - A restraining order - A panic alert bracelet for Frank - Slow rolling drive bys at Maria and the Father's locations by marked cars To say they dropped the ball is an understatement. I wonder whether they didn't take the Domestic Abuse/Stalking seriously because Frank was a man? 🤔 If so, that's sickening

[@ht2007]

And now they are blaming each other, the cops are blaming the DA and the DA is blaming the cops. They both act like they had no power in this case when you and I know they abuse their power in every other case

[@gena4638]

@@TheStar798 I think that's pretty damn accurate. Imagine if it were a man leaving his ex wife and her new BF those crazy voice-mails, telling his wife's friend "that's why you're still alive", threatening to burn her house down, being aggressive and crazy. We see it all the time on shows like this...but because it was a woman 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@gena4638]

@@ht2007 Accurate! Zero accountability, just denial and shifting blame. It's pathetic.

[@penguinhead84]

The Police Departments were worthless against a psychotic killer and her deranged gangster wanabe father. How sad a man had to pay for it with his life.

[@Africwomenpower]

The divorce announcement must have triggered her greatly.

[@BeeNoDoubt415]

literally SO many things that showed that Frank was in danger yet NOTHING was done. Outrageous.

[@buruzn09]

One idiot prosecutor is now the judge and the other idiot and probably corrupt prosecutor is now the DA. I know one county in Pennsylvania that I never want to go to.

[@missprabaT]

😂😂😂 two idiots in charge

[@buruzn09]

@@missprabaT And “idiot” is the generous interpretation for at least one.

[@dcdread5983]

Exactly. Just a vicious cycle

[@robertdesantis6205]

Avoid Clearfield Co. as well.

[@tamarinbush6613]

The police and DA did not do their jobs. She made terroristic threats that alone is an arrest able offense. Couldn’t prove burglary? She had the papers. And I’m sure they could have used her phone GPS. The fire, she basically admitted in a text. What did they want? For her to personally tell them she did it. Everyone else heard her threats.

[@NorskePatriot1]

It has ceased to amaze me the level of evil in this world. This is one of the most traumatic and tragic cases I've ever watched. There were so many opportunities to save Frank...they were all met with extreme failure. The American Justice System is completely flawed. If this evil woman had been arrested just ONCE perhaps Frank would still be alive and enjoying his life with Julie and all those who loved him. Cases like this infuriates me, a complete disgrace, a total lack of the ability to follow the evidence and stop a complete madwoman. I pray for Frank, for Julie and everyone who loved Frank and feel the void he has left in their lives. God Bless You all ❤️.

[@joannegibson-lucas3791]

Unbelievable the lack of concern and accountability of the police and county DA. They have blood on their hands too. Maria and her father are unspeakably evil people.

[@annschram8552]

Maria was not just evil. She was dumb as well

[@junemarshall-kingsley566]

And she came from a father who normalized criminality. The way he talked about "whacking" someone and breaking their face gave him away.

[@mcort29]

I'm confused I thought it was the polices job to find evidence. To me the evidence is crystal clear. Why was she and her dad not thrown in jail before the inevitable happened?

[@Tuturial464]

Police and district attorney incompetence

[@patedwards8844]

​@@Tuturial464plus, DA was her ex divorce attorney. Talk about a conflict of interest

[@TheRetroWoman80]

​@@patedwards8844I know!!!!!

[@mreyes6677]

In this case and so many others, the are also evil.

[@madrush24]

Wait, the kids ended up being raised by Maria's sister? Yikes. Surely they've been indoctrinated.

[@rebeccagable9629]

Awful, huh?

[@lizshoemaker8713]

Either those police officers/DA were either incredibly negligent OR paid off, threatened, seduced or all of the above.

[@Vlad-dc2jz]

What a real life Fatal Attraction!.. Crazy people!.. Stay away from a girl if her father is a criminal!..

[@shidah2017]

"Karma is a wonderful thing" (in her own words). She is evil incarnate. May both father and daughter rot in jail. The timeline in this case weave seamlessly - well done 48 Hours!

[@jameslomenzo1139]

It's great that her retrial was denied, she'll spend the rest of her life in prison.

[@daisy-zq8yw]

Sounds like she made no effort to cover up any of the crimes she committed- crazy it took the police so long to charge her.

[@nicolebryan7805]

Because they were afraid of her dad... simply put

[@stumack9755]

@@nicolebryan7805 BS.

[@ravennevermore853]

Wow, hope Maria's Sister isn't a nutcase. I can't imagine the damage those poor kids have with a mother and grandfather who terrorized their father / paternal grandmother / father's GF and then killed him only to be raised by the maternal family.

[@susanbengston3208]

Horrifying.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

She is. You aren’t raised by a man like Rocco and stick around the family if you aren’t a sick person.

[@jameslomenzo1139]

​@Alexandra_Wolf you don't even know her sister she could be a good woman.

[@drowe2]

Please Pennsylvania change the law. Obviously, we can’t expect assistant DA’s to have their own moral compass. It’s no surprise the burglary was never solved.

[@robertdesantis6205]

PA is eternally corrupt and the residents like it that way. Glad I left when I did.

[@racheltrammell8946]

Maria is a monster!!! What a monster to set fire and let the dog die in the fire!! All the hell she put Frank through! 😤😤😤

[@TheRealdal]

I mean, was any investigation done as to the whereabouts of Rocco and Maria when the girlfriends house was firebombed? Cellphone records. Alibi’s. Anything? It’s just disgusting. Especially after the INCRIMINATING text messages sent after the Mothers house burned down. Why weren’t they getting wiretaps or having people wear wires or following these people? Talk about a lack of policing! They could of saved a life!

[@bluecollarlit]

It reminds me of The Crown where the queen's policy is usually to do nothing.

[@964964limkyung]

she's a scorned woman, very sad especially for children who lost their father , R.I.P., love watching 48 hr. episodes.

[@reddeadjuju]

Lmao

[@theresac4893]

Is no one going to talk about the fact the man kept SLEEPING with her???? Not that it is his fault he was murdered. There is never an excuse for that. But WHY did the new woman keep seeing this guy????? He literally was cheating on her with the woman who HAD HIS HOUSE BURNT DOWN the night of said act! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@maureenguarracino6958]

Right!

[@mscongenility4u]

Rest in peace Frank.🌹It's not cool the pooch died in the fire. I have to agree with your comment 😬. Maria was crazy, not my words,I didn't know Maria.friends said they knew that. Frank knew, slept with Maria any way. Frank apparently liked crazy. It got Frank killed.

[@TawnyC_]

And then burnt down the girlfriend's house. Talk about stupid.

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

Frank was no angel and not the most intelligent either

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

That sure got overlooked by a lot of the commentators…the girlfriend should have dumped him immediately after that. He slept with his ex wife while his current girlfriend’s home (and almost her) got burned down. Not sure if I was her, I would have even gotten involved with someone who had a ex spouse that was this psycho. RIP to this guy but you have to wonder about why a man could allow himself to be seduced-that is sickening in this instance, especially. No one thinking about the children in this crazy-making.

[@annphillips345]

I'm Surprised that a charge can't be brouht against the town's Law Inforcement for extreme incompetence resulting in death.

[@KajunMs39]

Thank God your shows are on KZbin. Everything on regular cable is NOT worth watching. Thank you 48 hours!!

[@SPK-op4rr]

RIP Frank! Know that you could have been saved but unfortunately (and I hope they all read this) the authorities alllll failed you and you’d be here today if they did their JOB!

[@use-ThatIsWhatIamTalkingAbout]

I would say that the former D.A. has a clear conscience because he lacks one.

[@artyart31]

Imagine the chief of police or a judge getting them Maria threats, my how things would be different.

[@nicolaxoxo1]

This was infuriating but the final touch was that MARIA’S SISTER got custody of Frank’s children! WTF 🤬 Now they will end up Trash just like Maria! Why does the justice system always give kids to relatives of the murderer??!!

[@emmasmith7841]

I am a big advocate for appreciating police and supporting police. As I know personally what they go through and their families sacrifice. However in this situation i believe they failed this man and left this women completely terrorize and ruin that man.

[@ohhemmgeeitsjeeti]

Maria thought she was so badass cause of her daddy but she ratted on him quick while her dad didn’t… the irony

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Darkness looks out for itself, in every instance.

[@stumack9755]

she psychoooooooooooooooooo

[@redrumhum]

Just goes to show how crooked our criminal justice system is.

[@jrb4347]

That’s why it’s called a criminal system … it’s for the criminals

[@kenhawes4695]

It ALWAYS favors the woman over the man.

[@sicilyny5375]

The south .the worse

[@Brendan-Black]

​@@kenhawes4695Uh no, it _really_ doesn't. Lol how clueless can one be?

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

They should have gotten another fire marshall to determine what caused the fire.

[@juliopadilla7346]

Nah, would have been the same outcome

[@happybergner9832]

I think somebody bought off -- or frightened off -- the fire Marshall.

[@Swilla12]

Maybe she was riding the fire marshal? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@katofuntato466]

@@Swilla12Bingo

[@Winter-Lake]

The police dept claimed there was no evidence of all her various crimes, but that's what an INVESTIGATION is for. Did they expect Frank to do their job for them, investigate it for them? Is that dept. either lazy or corrupt?