In August 2013, Melissa Rocuba suffered a tragic fate, leading to a murder investigation nearly a decade later. The story began on an August night when Melissa, aged 45, was airlifted to a Pennsylvania hospital with a bullet wound to her head. Her husband, Bruno Rocuba, was also injured, reportedly suffering a gunshot wound to his hand. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were murky from the start.
Key Events Leading to the Investigation
- August 10, 2013: Melissa Rocuba is shot at her home.
- She passes away three days later, with her death certificate listing the cause as a gunshot wound.
- Bruno Rocuba claims the shooting was accidental, stating he was checking the gun when it discharged.
The rapid response of Melissa’s family, including her daughters Chelsea Cicio and Sabrina Rocuba, underscored the gravity of the situation. Sabrina raced to the hospital from Wisconsin, worried for her mother’s life. Despite their hopes, Melissa was declared dead after a few days on life support.
Conflicting Accounts of the Night
Initial investigations revealed inconsistencies in Bruno Rocuba’s account of the shooting. He described a scenario in which his wife was alone in the house while he demonstrated how he claimed the gun had fired accidentally. However, investigators found no signs of struggle that night, making the circumstances suspicious.
Additionally, witnesses who had dinner with the couple on the night of the incident reported no arguments between them. Bruno’s actions post-shooting raised further eyebrows, including his request to destroy evidence, such as a blood-stained mattress.
Investigation Renewed
Years passed with few developments until new investigators revisited the case in 2020. They uncovered critical evidence: video footage from home security cameras that documented the couple’s final moments. During the recording, an argument between Melissa and Bruno was audible, contradicting his claims of an accidental shooting.
The Rise of New Evidence
In December 2021, investigators analyzed the video footage. It showed not only arguments but also indicated that the couple had been fighting just before the gun was discharged. Forensic experts later asserted that the nature of blood spatter at the scene challenged Bruno’s narrative, suggesting he may have been in a threatening position over Melissa when the gun fired.
Murder Charge Filed
After accumulating evidence, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office reopened the case. On June 2, 2022, nearly nine years post-incident, Bruno Rocuba was charged with murder following a detailed investigation into the circumstances and the conflicting testimonies surrounding his claim of accidental shooting.
Justice Delivered? The Aftermath of the Trial
In January 2025, Bruno was sentenced to 12 to 40 years for third-degree murder, admitting that his actions were reckless but maintaining that he did not intend to kill Melissa. This decision did not come lightly; the family of Melissa Rocuba faced a complicated grief process that intertwined love and frustration toward their father.
As the Rocuba family continues to rebuild their lives, they hold onto the memory of Melissa. Chelsea Cicio and Sabrina Rocuba remain dedicated to preserving their mother’s legacy despite the emotional turmoil and loss they have endured.
This tragic story demonstrates the complexities of familial relationships amidst a backdrop of violence and loss, ensuring the echoes of Melissa Rocuba’s life and death persist in the hearts of those who loved her.
