Pennsylvania Man Charged After Wife Shot at Home

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Pennsylvania prosecutors have charged a man with criminal homicide after his wife was fatally shot inside their home, an incident investigators say was partially captured on a home security camera. Bruno Rocuba is accused in the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba, a case that now hinges on video evidence authorities say contradicts his account.

The shooting occurred inside the couple’s residence, where police responded to an emergency call reporting a gunshot. Melissa Rocuba was pronounced dead, and her husband was taken into custody as investigators began reviewing digital evidence from the home.

Prosecutors say the footage has become central to the case as it moves through the court system.

What Investigators Allege

According to court filings and statements cited by prosecutors, the home security video shows escalating tension between the couple in the moments leading up to the shooting. Authorities allege that the interaction captured on video undermines Rocuba’s claim that the gun discharged accidentally.

Investigators say the footage does not show a sudden or unintentional event, but rather an argument that intensified before the fatal shot was fired. Officials have not released the video publicly, citing the ongoing case and its sensitive nature.

Rocuba has not been convicted, and the allegations will be tested through the legal process.

Defense Disputes Claims of Intent

Rocuba’s defense maintains that Melissa Rocuba’s death was accidental and that there was no intent to harm her. Defense attorneys argue that the shooting occurred unintentionally and that the prosecution is misinterpreting the events captured on video.

Court documents indicate that the defense plans to challenge how the footage is being characterized, as well as the conclusions investigators have drawn from it. No plea deal has been announced, and the case remains pending.

Judges overseeing the case have emphasized that intent must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, a standard prosecutors say the video evidence helps meet.

Digital Evidence and Domestic Violence Cases

The case highlights the growing role of home security systems in modern criminal investigations. Prosecutors say video evidence can provide critical context in domestic violence cases, particularly when accounts of what happened differ sharply.

Advocates note that domestic disputes often occur behind closed doors, making objective evidence especially significant when serious injuries or deaths occur. Authorities have stressed that video alone does not determine guilt, but can offer insight into behavior and circumstances surrounding an incident.

Police have not indicated whether there were prior calls for service at the Rocuba home. Investigators say they continue to review all available evidence.

A Case Still Unfolding

Melissa Rocuba’s death has left family members and the local community grappling with grief as the case proceeds through the courts. Prosecutors say their focus remains on establishing accountability based on evidence rather than speculation.

Rocuba remains charged with criminal homicide, and no trial date has been announced. Court proceedings are expected to examine the video footage closely, along with forensic findings and witness testimony.

As the legal process continues, officials reiterated that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The case stands as a stark reminder of how quickly domestic conflicts can turn fatal, and how digital evidence increasingly shapes the search for truth.

References: CBS News: Melissa Rocuba, Bruno Rocuba Pennsylvania Shooting Death Home Security Video 48 Hours | People: Pennsylvania Man Charged After Wife Fatally Shot, Home Security Video, 48 Hours