Watch CBS News

Teen In Hammer Attack Ordered To Remain In Detention Center

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A Mt. Lebanon teenager found guilty of attacking his ex-girlfriend with a hammer before throwing himself in front of a Port Authority trolley, has been ordered to remain in a juvenile detention center.

Officials with a New Castle detention facility told the family court judge that Robertino DeAngelis should be released because he has fulfilled all of his requirements.

But the judge heard arguments from others claiming that he could still be a danger to the community.

Grace DeIuliis, the victim's mother, called DeAngelis a violent predator who poses a threat to the community and her daughter.

More than three years after the attack, KDKA's Bob Allen reports DeAngelis hasn't expressed any remorse.

"I think that's always been a big concern to the judge – she's expressed that many times in court," John Gismondi, the DeIuliis family's attorney, said. "That also plays into some concern I think that the family has, but that's been a particular concern to the judge."

DeAngelis has been housed in the New Castle Youth Development Center for more than a year. During a video conference, officials at the center say he's been a model citizen, earning his G.E.D. and taking online college courses.

They said DeAngelis should be released back into the community. He will turn 20 this year. The judge told the family he will eventually be released, but now is not the time.

"I think the judge was also influenced by the fact that he had expressed increased animosity towards Sarah and toward the court system and she wanted him to talk again to the psychiatrist, but he didn't want to do that, so I think her decision was the appropriate one," Gismondi said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.