Summary: Melissa Rocuba’s 2013 shooting was originally classified as an apparent accident, but reexamination of home security audio and forensic evidence led investigators to reclassify the death as a homicide. Enhanced DVR audio captured a heated argument moments before the gunshot; bloodstain and ballistic analysis supported a struggle rather than an accidental discharge. Bruno Rocuba was arrested in 2022, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in 2024, and was sentenced to 12–40 years in 2025. The verdict brought mixed emotions and further tragedy for the family.
Home Security Audio Turned an 'Accident' Into Murder: How a Wife’s Final Minutes Helped Convict Her Husband
Melissa and Bruno Rocuba / Credit: Chelsea Cicio/Facebook
On a humid August night in 2013, Melissa Rocuba was airlifted to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the head. Her husband, Bruno Rocuba, was treated at another hospital for a stablike wound through his palm. Melissa remained on life support for several days; her family later took her off support and she died on Aug. 10, 2013. Officials initially treated the shooting as an apparent accident.
Early Accounts, Inconsistencies, And Family Doubts
Bruno told investigators that he had been checking the chamber of his .40-caliber pistol on the bed when the gun discharged accidentally, traveling through his hand and striking Melissa. Police conducted a walkthrough, collected evidence and found no immediate signs that prompted charges. Family members, however, recalled a history of controlling behavior, prior incidents in which Bruno allegedly threatened Melissa with a firearm, and disturbing actions after the shooting—asking their daughters to erase texts, discard a blood-stained mattress (which they later burned), and quickly dispose of Melissa’s belongings.
"I just couldn't justify any of his stories," Chelsea Cicio, Melissa's daughter, later said.
Reexamination: Audio, Forensics, And New Leads
In 2020, Pennsylvania State Police investigators reexamined the case. A front-door home security camera had recorded video and audio from the couple’s arrival that night. With modern enhancement tools, investigators heard sustained arguing and shouting inside the home—Melissa’s voice saying, "What is wrong with you?" and other heated exchanges—followed by sounds consistent with items being thrown and then a gunshot. Chelsea’s screams are also captured on the recording when she found her mother.
Forensic experts reviewed bloodstain patterns and ballistics. Dr. Wayne Ross, a forensic pathologist and blood-pattern analyst, concluded the evidence was consistent with a struggle and with Bruno being positioned over Melissa when she was shot. Crime-scene reconstruction and ballistic details—such as the weapon’s safeties and the expected steps to unload the pistol—raised significant doubts about an accidental discharge as Bruno had described it.
Prosecution, Plea, And Sentence
Using the enhanced audio, forensic findings, and inconsistencies in Bruno’s statements (including multiple versions he gave on the 911 call and to investigators), prosecutors reopened the investigation. A warrant was issued on June 2, 2022; Bruno was arrested the following day. Facing the strengthened evidence, Bruno Rocuba eventually pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in 2024. At sentencing on Jan. 8, 2025, he received 12 to 40 years in prison, with parole eligibility beginning in 2035.
Aftermath For The Family
The case deeply fractured the family. Melissa’s daughters expressed mixed emotions—relief that the case was resolved, grief for their mother, and pain at losing their father to incarceration. In March 2025, another tragedy struck: Chelsea’s 13-year-old son Greg died in an ATV collision. The family said they will continue to protest any future parole hearings and keep Melissa's memory alive.
Why This Case Matters
This investigation illustrates how modern forensic techniques and audio enhancement can alter the direction of a cold or unresolved case. A home security recording that at first seemed unusable became pivotal when reexamined with contemporary tools, helping transform a suspected accidental death into a homicide prosecution.
Key Evidence: DVR audio of arguing, forensic bloodstain analysis, ballistics and gun-handling inconsistencies, multiple conflicting statements by the husband, and circumstantial behavior after the shooting (disposal of items and relationship changes).
Bruno Rocuba holds a toy gun to demonstrate for investigators what he says happened the night of the shooting. / Credit: Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office
Melissa Rocuba was in intensive care for three days when her family made the decision to take her off life support. / Credit: Sabrina Rocuba(Sabrina Rocuba)
The Rocuba family, from left, Chelsea, Melissa, Bruno and Sabrina. / Credit: Sabrina Rocuba
Melissa Rocuba's daughters said that even before their mother was buried, their father asked for help getting rid of her belongings – including Melissa's beloved 10-year-old Rottweiler, Zeus. / Credit: Melissa Rocuba/Facebook
Melissa Rocuba, center, with her daughters Chelsea, left and Sabrina. / Credit: Chelsea Cicio
Bruno Rocuba with his grandson Greg. / Credit: Chelsea Cicio
The gun used in the shooting has two safeties, making an accidental shooting difficult according to investigators. / Credit: Pennsylvania State Police
The Rocuba's home security system captured audio and video of Melissa, in the passenger seat, and Bruno, in the driver's seat, arguing after a night out. / Credit: Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office
Cpl. Greg Allen, with Cpl. Dan Nilon, points out the blood spatter on the wall behind Bruno Rocuba that challenged Rocuba's story of what happened. / Credit: CBS News
Bruno Rocuba following his arrest for theft and murder. / Credit: Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office
Chelsea Cicio and Sabrina Rocuba / Credit: CBS News
Chelsea Cicio's son Greg died after an accident in March 2025. He was 13 years old. / Credit: Chelsea Cicio
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