Last month, David Lombardo, a 43-year-old Clearfield man, was arrested for smothering his mother to death with a pillow. Lombardo was later charged with criminal homicide and is awaiting trial.  

According to police reports, Lombardo didn't even try to hide his crime and openly confessed to suffocating his mother with a plastic bag. His reasoning? He could no longer provide adequate care and thought ending her life was “for the best” because she was already “killing herself.” 

Paula Lombardo was 69 years old, disabled, and suffered from Parkinson's disease. Despite these ailments, she died tragically at the hands of her son—someone she loved and trusted to take care of her. These disturbing events underscore the horror and tragedy of domestic violence and highlight the need for enhanced support for caregivers looking after disabled family members.   

If you or someone you love has been charged with domestic violence, we want to hear from you. Call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us online, and let us help defend your rights during this critical process.  

Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Laws Extend to Caregivers 

Pennsylvania law defines domestic violence as any abuse that occurs between family members. In this context, “family members” includes more than just blood relatives and encompasses anyone living in the same household, a sexually intimate partner, or someone with whom they share a child.  

Abuse can be physical or mental and includes threats of violence or bodily harm against that person, their loved ones, or even threats to destroy property. This might include actions such as:  

• Attempt to cause injury or serious bodily harm. 
• Threats of immediate or severe bodily harm.  
• Rape. 
• Sexual assault.  
• Incest.  
• False imprisonment.  
• Physical or sexual abuse of a child.  

This list is not exhaustive and may include other instances of both actual and attempted harm. When these actions are committed against an older adult under caregiver attention, it may also constitute elder abuse.  

Mercy Killings and Assisted Suicide are Illegal in Pennsylvania Are Illegal Paula's Death Highlights Need for Greater Support and Oversight for Caregivers  

David Lombardo's actions clearly qualify as domestic violence against a family member. Even if his claim that killing his mother was “what was best for her” was true, mercy killings and assisted suicides are illegal in Pennsylvania. Anyone who intentionally aids another in committing suicide faces steep fines and jail time.  

As a result, Lombardo has since been charged with criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, strangulation, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, and reckless endangerment of human life.   

Domestic violence is complex and often difficult to prosecute because of the unique, private nature of the crime. Lombardo's case highlights the need for greater oversight and enhanced support for caregivers looking out for disabled family members.  

Have You Been Accused of Domestic Violence? 

No matter the crime, every person has the right to a rigorous, passionate defense, and if you've been charged with domestic violence, we want to hear from you. Call the LLF Law Firm Team today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us online, and let us help secure the best possible outcome in your defense.