BUTLER TOWNSHIP, PA — Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce released a harrowing statement Monday following the decision by Cesar and Virginia Delgadillo to waive their preliminary hearings in the death of their 13-year-old son, Jacob Delgadillo. The waivers move the high-profile homicide case directly to the Court of Common Pleas, as investigators reveal new evidence of systematic torture and a calculated attempt to cover up the crime.
According to the District Attorney's office, the investigation has uncovered a months-long pattern of abuse inside the family's Louis Circle residence. Cesar Delgadillo is now facing additional charges based on allegations that he tortured and beat Jacob for several hours on the day of his death.
Virginia Delgadillo faces charges for her alleged role as a "passive participant" in the violence. Prosecutors state that she failed in her legal duty to protect the children, standing by while her husband beat Jacob with a back scratcher and an electrical cord. The District Attorney further alleged that instead of seeking medical help to save the boy's life, Virginia instructed Jacob to lie to police and paramedics about the cause of his injuries. All five of the couple's other children, ranging in age from 5 to 16, were also found to have various stages of bruising and have since been removed from the home.
Magisterial District Judge Daniel O’Donnell presided over the proceedings and ordered both defendants to remain held without bail at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. A formal arraignment date will be set by the Court Administrator in the coming weeks.