SHREWSBURY – Lisa Ricardo, brother of Keith Rosiello was arraigned in Westboro District Court today, charged with being an accessory after the fact in the murder of Maureen Rosiello last week.
Mr. Rosiello called police at 12:45PM on Thursday saying that he and his wife had a fight and that she was not breathing. By the time first responders arrived shortly thereafter, it was apparent that the victim had been deceased for a while.
Worcester Assistant District Attorney Anthony Marrota said Ricardo was in the couple’s home last Wednesday at about 6:15PM, and witnessed some of the argument, which local media outlets report as including Mr. Rosiello “blocking her airway.” She was eventually moved to the couch, and the two decided one of them should stay up all night to monitor her condition, but then fell asleep. At approximately 6 AM Ricardo allegedly woke her brother and informed him that the victim had died.
According to prosecutors, Mr. Rosiello and Ms. Ricardo tried to clean the home up in an attempt to conceal the crime. At approximately 12:15PM, 6 hours after discovering that the victim had died, Ms. Ricardo took the children, ages 12 and 6 from the home, to her house in Raynham.
The prosecutor request bail of $100,000, saying she was a potential flight risk, in contrast to the $10,000 that Ricardo’s attorney asked for. He claims that his client basically rescued the children from what must have been a horrific scene, and protected them, while encouraging her brother to surrender to the Shrewsbury Police. Ultimately, bail was set at $20,000. No word yet on whether plans have been made to post bail.
Both parties are to appear next in court on Feb 22nd for a pre-trial hearing.
A fund is being established today by the Leaders of Tomorrow to help provide for the children, through the courtesy of Central One credit union, who has agreed to make the first donation to the account. We will have additional information on that later today for those who might want to contribute.
More details to follow as they become available.
