Anna Tolomello: Pennsylvania pizza shop owner murdered longtime partner and kept body at home for 13 days
BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: Anna Maria Tolomello, a former Pennsylvania pizza shop owner, has pleaded guilty to the murder of her longtime partner, 65-year-old Giovanni Gallina, and admitted to leaving his body in their home for more than a week.
Tolomello entered her plea on April 8, confessing to third-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse in connection with Gallina's death, as stated in a press release from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
Insights into the tragic murder of Giovanni Gallina
The tragic incident unfolded in March 2022, when Tolomello fatally shot Gallina, whom she referred to as her common-law husband. Prosecutors revealed that the suspect acknowledged the unjustified nature of the killing and confessed to leaving victim's body in their residence for 13 days. The couple co-owned Pina’s Pizza in Chalfont.
Investigative documents disclosed Tolomello's attempt to cover up the crime by hiring a contractor to dig a hole in their driveway, ostensibly to bury Gallina's body. Additionally, she sought a friend for "any tricks" on eliminating a skunk odor from her garage, as detailed in a criminal complaint.
Giovanni Gallina Son's alarming missing report leads to grim discovery
The investigation into Gallina's disappearance commenced on March 29, 2022, prompted by a report from his son, who resides in Italy.
Concerns arose when the son's daily WhatsApp conversations with his father ceased, and he failed to reach him since mid-March.
Tolomello falsely informed Gallina's son that his father was "away on business" and never reported him missing to authorities.
Further evidence emerged when investigators spoke with the contractor hired by Tolomello, who revealed her request to dig the hole in her driveway, reported People.
Subsequent searches of the couple's home uncovered Gallina's remains, wrapped in a blue tarp and comforter in the master bedroom, with his head concealed in a black plastic garbage bag.
Prosecutors challenge Anna Tolomello's self-defense narrative
During interrogation, Tolomello initially claimed self-defense, alleging that Gallina had attempted to strangle her. However, prosecutors refuted her account, confirming he was shot in the back of the head, as stated in the April 8 press release.
Tolomello is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, facing the repercussions of her actions.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Gallina's loved ones to honor his memory, describing him as a father of three children and grandfather of two boys. "[Gallina] was a funny, kind-hearted and good person all around," the fundraiser read.
