Joshua Leyo: Man arrested from Pittsburgh Airport after stabbing mother to death during argument

ALLEGHENY, PITTSBURGH: The Allegheny police department apprehended a resident of the city, who, while in police custody at Allegheny General Hospital, purportedly admitted to the killing of his 61-year-old mother during a dispute at their residence in Fairview Hills.

Joshua Leyo, aged 30, is currently awaiting extradition to Blair County. He is confronted with charges including first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, simple assault, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person in that jurisdiction, per Altoona Mirror.

How was Joshua Leyo arrested? 

On Wednesday, February 14, at 1:43 p.m., Altoona police responded to a call at 205 E Maple Ave regarding a potential death investigation. Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered the lifeless body of Maureen Mazenko in the living room, with a fatal stab wound to her neck.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Mazenko shared the residence with Leyo, who was initially missing and untraceable. Subsequent efforts led detectives to ascertain that Leyo had sought medical attention for a hand-cut at UPMC Altoona on Tuesday morning. With this information, law enforcement successfully located him in the vicinity of Pittsburgh International Airport.

As per the police report, Leyo had utilized an Uber to travel from Altoona, engaged in transactions in the Pittsburgh area, and was found to be using Mazenko's bank account.

Upon communication between Altoona police, Allegheny County police, and the Department of Homeland Security, it was revealed that Leyo had leaped from the second level of the airport parking garage. Subsequently, he was swiftly taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where he received immediate medical attention.

Upon receiving the information, Allegheny County police promptly arrived at the hospital to apprehend Leyo, while Altoona police made the journey to Pittsburgh to interview him.

During the interview, Leyo purportedly confessed, admitting to stabbing his mother in the neck during a heated argument. According to Leyo's account, she was already deceased when he departed from the residence. 

Loss of Mazenko is 'heartbreaking' 

On Thursday, February 15, flowers were observed on the modest porch outside Mazenko's residence. Neighbors, who chose to remain anonymous, characterized Mazenko as a kind and reserved woman who led a quiet life, keeping to herself and causing no disturbance to anyone in the community.

A neighbor, who along with her three children lives a couple of doors down from Mazenko, called the loss “heartbreaking.” She said, "The last time I saw her was on Monday when she was out sweeping, it’s definitely too close to home.”

As for Leyo, the neighbor didn’t have much to say. "I couldn’t tell you much about him,” she said. “No one around here has had a conversation with him as far as I know. He just came and went.”

The Mazenkos' next-door neighbor claimed she was unaware of any disturbance on the day of the murder. "I was here when the police arrived,” that neighbor said, noting that she hadn’t seen or heard anything prior. “When forensics came, I kind of figured it was something bad.”

While holding a baby a neighbor said, "I hope they catch him and that he burns in hell."

Leyo is presently on probation following a 2021 incident in which he reportedly threatened a juvenile with a knife, expressing anger over loud music.