JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer has announced that Pennsylvania will not be seeking the death penalty for convicted murderer Brian Giles.
In June 2024, Giles was found guilty of killing his wife in 2018 and was sentenced to life in prison in August. He's also facing homicide charges for the death of Jilly Todaro. Now the district attorney has announced that the state will not be seeking the death penalty in that case.
"The opinion of the victims in cases is always an important part of prosecutorial decision-making. While it is not always feasible to accommodate victim requests or desires, the Commonwealth strives to ensure that victims' voices are heard and taken into account. In the matter regarding the death of Jilly Todaro, the Commonwealth has spoken to surviving family members who have indicated that they do not wish for the Commonwealth to pursue the death penalty in this matter," Neugebauer said.
In 2022, Giles was arrested and charged with homicide after a three-year investigation into Nancy’s disappearance. Nancy had been reported as missing in 2018, and her remains were found in May 2019.
Giles was guilty of killing Nancy and then taking her body to a nearby Johnstown hiking trail and burying her in a shallow grave.
In June, remains were found at the former home of Giles and were later identified as Jilly Todaro. Todaro was a Johnstown woman who was reported missing in 2020. The remains were found in the basement of the residence. Investigators searched the home after receiving what they called “concerning information” from Giles right after he received his guilty verdict in June.
Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees ruled Jilly's death a homicide through suspected strangulation and Giles was charged. He is now facing another homicide charge.
"We look forward to continuing the fight for justice for Jilly and her loved ones," Neugebauer said.