Author: Beaver County Radio

Christopher Marchionda (1950-2026)

Christopher Marchionda, 75, of Big Beaver, passed away on February 27th, 2026, after a lengthy illness, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a legacy built on strength, loyalty, and heart. He was born in West Aliquippa on June 8th, 1950, a son of the late Frank and Anna Cellini Marchionda. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Francis, Louis, Robert, and Joseph Marchionda, and his sister, Anita Marchionda. He is survived by his devoted wife, Deborah (Dobich) Marchionda. Christopher and Debbie were blessed to celebrate their 51st anniversary on February 15th. He is also survived by his son, Brian, his beloved granddaughter, Celeste, his sister, Virginia (Melvin) Swogger, four sisters-in-law: Jeanie, Linda and Nancy Marchionda and Becky Gallagher; as well as his brother-in-law, William (Polly) Dobich, many cherished nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many cousins who will carry his memory forward.
Christopher grew up surrounded by family and lifelong values that shaped the man he became. He was a 1969 graduate of Aliquippa Senior High School, he played fullback on the football team. He was a strong, determined person who was always moving forward. He carried that same drive through Youngstown State University, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Business, and later into his long career in construction with Local Union 833, New Brighton. He believed in showing up for work, family, and the people he loved. He worked hard, and he loved even harder. He never gave up on those he cared about. He was a member of Pathway Church in Chippewa and enjoyed the time he spent there. In earlier years he was active in teaching bible study.
He was happiest cooking a meal for his family, watching the Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates, or simply spending time with the people who meant the most to him. Above all, his greatest joy was being “Pap” to his precious granddaughter, Celeste Angel Marchionda. That role was his pride and his heart.
His strength, loyalty, and love will remain in the lives he touched forever.
A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd from 3-7 p.m. at the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. A homecoming service will be held on Wednesday, March 4th at 11 a.m. at Pathway Church, 239 Braun Road, Beaver Falls. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Private Interment will follow at Grove Cemetery, 1750 Valley Avenue, New Brighton.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Christopher Marchionda please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Grace E. Benzio (1942-2026)

Grace E (Cox) Benzio, 83, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 27th, 2026, at her home.

She was born on August 28th, 1942, a daughter of the late Frank and Nora (Crow) Cox,  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Harold, Janet, Jack and Bea. She is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) and two loving children and their spouses, Mark (Lurae) Benzio of Ohioville and Angel (Tim) Shepler of Ohioville, her nine grandchildren: Brian Benzio, Tascha (Bob) Biancucci, Alyssa Benzio, John (Jessica) Shepler, Philip (Nina) Shepler, Daniel Shepler, Anna Benzio, Sara Benzio, Rebecca (Curtis Kovalesky. Grace also had twelve great grandchildren, with one on the way and also 1 great-great grandchild with one on the way. Grace also leaves behind several nieces and nephews as well as wonderful friends and church family. She will be missed by many.

Grace graduated second in her class from Charleroi High School and went to Washington and Jefferson Nursing School following graduation and earned her RN degree in 1961. While in nursing school, she met Richard (Dick) Benzio and they knew this was the beginning of a long-lasting love. They married on June 22nd, 1962 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where Grace worked before starting their family. For 63 years, their marriage was full of love, trust and true companionship. Their relationship was a great example to their family and friends. She and her husband moved to Beaver County in the early 70’s and she worked in a nursing home before working at Aliquippa Hospital where she retired from there after 20 years. She was an ER charge nurse and prior to retirement was the Infection/Disease Control Director for the hospital. In retirement she enjoyed camping, fishing, watching sports, and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Fairview R.P. Church (PCA) in Ohioville and served on several committees.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, March 3rd, from 4-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. An additional visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Fairview Reformed Presbyterian Church, 6366 Tuscarawas Road, Industry. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Private Interment to take place at Highland Cemetery, 339 Salem Church Road, Midland.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Grace E. Benzio, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Timothy Duane Holman, Sr. (1958-2026)

Timothy Duane Holman, Sr., 67, of Dellroy, Ohio, formerly of Franklin County, Georgia, passed away peacefully, with his loving wife and children by his side, on February 26th, 2026.

He was born in Rochester on November 15th, 1958, the son of the late Duane and Elsie Holman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister. He is survived behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Barbara Holman, his sons, Michael (Samantha) Holman, Timothy Jr. (Tiffany) Holman, and Jake (Tarrah) Holman, his daughters, Daysha (Jeffrey) Brown and Samantha (Jesse) Wory, his grandchildren: Landon Bryant, Eyan Bryant, Gavin Holman, Timothy Holman III, Channing Holman, Anna Wory, Wyatt Wory, Sophia Wory, Lanie Brown, and Baby T. Holman; as well as his close friends: Doug Wory, Darrin Dalrymple, Dennis Brookshire and Brian Britton.

Timothy had been a Paramedic for 30 years and volunteer firefighter before and after his career. He also was an adjunct professor at North Georgia College, and a LifeFlight medic in Gwinnett County, Georgia. He touched many lives, was loved by many and highly regarded.

Friends will be received on Monday, March 2nd from 3-6 p.m., in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver,  who was in charge of his arrangements.

An additional visitation period will held on Tuesday, March 3rd at Ridge Pointe Family Church, 500 Dutch Ridge Road, Beaver, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Bill Beatty, at 11 a.m.

Interment to follow in the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Timothy Duane Holman Sr., please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc.

Ellwood City man arrested for making threats at Ellwood City woman in Lawrence County and dousing her with gasoline

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today that fifty-seven-year-old Lorenzo Wells of Ellwood City was arrested for making terroristic threats in Lawrence County last night. This occurred at a residence along West Lawrence Avenue in Wayne Township at 11:55 p.m., and Wells screamed at fifty-eight-year-old Barbara Greenwalt of Ellwood City by saying that her cancer medication has been making her “crazy.” According to police, Wells threw Greenwalt to the ground and began dousing her in gasoline and related that he was going to burn her up. Wells escaped the residence, but Greenwalt called 911 and Wells was later arrested. Charges will be filed against Wells. 

Juvenile allegedly sexually assaults another juvenile at a Lawrence County residence; incident under investigation

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today that they are investigating an incident that was reported through channels via a Childline report in which a juvenile sexually assaulted a fifteen-year-old male juvenile from Wampum at a residence in Lawrence County. This happened along Old Route 18 in New Beaver Borough and the victim reported that this incident occurred approximately four to six years ago. The allegations indicate that the male juvenile victim was sexually assaulted by another juvenile. The investigation into this incident is ongoing pending the examination of evidence and a forensic interview or interviews. 

Pick-up truck crashing into pole and car dealership parking lot in the Beechview neighborhood of Pittsburgh closes portion of a road

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on March 2nd, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A pickup truck crashed into a pole and a car dealership parking lot along a busy road in the Beechview neighborhood of Pittsburgh this morning. The road between Curranhill and Pioneer Avenues in the Beechview and Brookline area of the Steel City is closed. The crash occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m. near the intersection of West Liberty and Cape May avenues in the parking lot of Newman Motors Inc. According to Public Safety, the driver of the truck was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Heavy backups were being reported in the South Hills, especially on Banksville Road, for the traffic headed toward I-376. The cause of this crash is unknown at this time.

Three-vehicle crash on the Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh kills a woman and injures two others

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) An investigation is underway after a fiery and deadly three-car crash on the Liberty Bridge occurred early yesterday morning. According to Pittsburgh Police, one of the vehicles caught fire with three people inside. Officers extinguished the flames and rescued two people from the vehicle. However, the third person inside was pronounced dead at the scene. A release from the Office of the Allegheny County Medical Examiner states that the victim was later identified as twenty-five-year-old Laila Makaylea Jones of Baldwin Borough. One of the two people who was rescued from the flames did not need treatment and the other had to be taken to the hospital. Their specific conditions were not made available, but police confirm that they expect them to be OK. The Pittsburgh Police Accident Investigation Unit is reviewing what led to this crash. 

Two shootings occur in McKeesport less than a half an hour apart

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: Police are investigating two late-night shootings that happened in McKeesport on Sunday. Officers were called to a gas station along Lysle Boulevard and an alleyway near Madison Avenue around 30 minutes apart Sunday night.It’s unclear at this time if the two shootings are related or connected. Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of KDKA Photojournalist Bryce Lutz)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(McKeesport, PA) Police are investigating two shootings that happened less than 30 minutes apart last night in McKeesport. Two men were injured in these shootings which happened at two different locations. Allegheny County Police said that the department’s Homicide Unit was requested and responded to assist in the shooting investigations. According to police, officers were first called to the area of Lysle Boulevard and Huey Street, where a man was shot just after 10:30 p.m. last night. The scene of this shooting was the outside of the Sunoco gas station along Lysle Boulevard and there appeared to be blood on the front door of the store. Police also had an area taped off around the intersection of nearby 5th Avenue and Huey Street. The man who was shot in the area was taken to the hospital in stable condition. Police stated that they are also investigating a shooting that happened in the area of an alleyway behind Madison Avenue, where another man was shot. Dispatchers confirm that the second shooting happened around 25 minutes after the first. The scene of this second shooting was at an alleyway between Madison Avenue and Petty Street. The man who was shot in the area of Madison Avenue was taken to the hospital in stable condition. Police did not specify if the two shootings are believed to be related. 

Fugitive wanted in Pittsburgh for 5 months found hiding underneath of a bed in a McKeesport apartment

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Posted on Facebook on March 1st, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The search for a man who had been on the run in Pittsburgh for nearly half a year came to an end on Saturday morning. According to Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus, 31-year-old Travell Dean was declared a fugitive in September of 2025 after failing to appear for trial on a firearms violation. Two months following that violation, a second bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Dean when he failed to appear for arraignment on another firearms violation. Dean also had an active warrant to escape when he fled after he was granted permission to meet with his attorney. Detectives at the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office learned that Dean had been residing at an apartment on Coursin Street in McKeesport. They went to the apartment to see if Dean was there just before 10 a.m. on Saturday and after knocking on the door, they heard frantic movement inside. Once inside, they found Dean hiding underneath a bed. Dean was taken into custody without incident and is now being housed inside the Allegheny County Jail. 

Federal prosecutors won’t appeal ruling barring death penalty in Luigi Mangione case

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Criminal Court for an evidence hearing, Dec. 18, 2025, in New York. (Shannon Stapleton/Pool Photo via AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors said Friday they won’t appeal a judge’s ruling that bars them from seeking the death penalty against Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

In a letter, Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean Buckley told Judge Margaret Garnett that the government will not ask the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse her decision, clearing the way for a trial beginning in September. His state murder trial is set to start in June.

Garnett last month dismissed a federal murder charge — murder through use of a firearm — that had enabled prosecutors to seek capital punishment, finding it legally flawed.

She wrote that she did so to “foreclose the death penalty as an available punishment to be considered by the jury” when it weighs whether to convict Mangione in the December 2024 killing in Manhattan.

The judge, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor appointed to the bench by President Joe Biden, also threw out a gun charge but left in place stalking charges that carry a maximum punishment of life in prison.

To seek the death penalty, prosecutors needed to show that Mangione killed Thompson while committing another “crime of violence.” Stalking doesn’t fit that definition, Garnett wrote in a 39-page opinion, citing case law and legal precedents.

The ruling disrupted the Trump administration’s bid to see Mangione executed for what U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” It was the first capital case brought by the Justice Department in President Donald Trump’s second term.

Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty in the federal and state cases. The state charges also carry the possibility of life in prison. At a recent court hearing, he spoke out against the prospect of back-to-back trials, telling a judge: “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.”

Thompson, 50, was killed on Dec. 4, 2024, as he walked to a midtown Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference. Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Police say “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims.

Mangione, a University of Pennsylvania graduate from a wealthy Maryland family, was arrested five days later after he was spotted eating breakfast at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) west of Manhattan.

His lawyers have argued that authorities prejudiced his case by turning his arrest into a “Marvel movie” spectacle, including by having armed officers parade him up Manhattan pier after he was flown to New York, and by publicly declaring their desire to see him executed even before he was formally indicted.

Jury selection in Mangione’s federal case is scheduled for Sept. 8, followed by opening statements and testimony on Oct. 13. His state trial is scheduled to begin June 8, but the judge in that case, Gregory Carro, said it could have been pushed back until Sept. 8 if federal prosecutors appealed the death penalty ruling.

In her ruling, Garnett acknowledged that the decision “may strike the average person — and indeed many lawyers and judges — as tortured and strange, and the result may seem contrary to our intuitions about the criminal law.”

But, she said, it reflected her “committed effort to faithfully apply the dictates of the Supreme Court to the charges in this case. The law must be the Court’s only concern.”