Aliquippa's acting police chief removes department from DelTondo murder probe

Aliquippa's new acting police chief is removing the department from a high-profile murder investigation.

In a memo obtained by Tribune-Review news partner WPXI-TV, acting Chief Robert Sealock wrote that his first directive would be to recuse the department and its officers from investigating the May 13 murder of 33-year-old Rachael DelTondo, a former teacher who was shot to death outside her family's home.

Police have not named a suspect.

Sealock, who did return a call from the Trib, does not explain in the memo why he is removing the department from the investigation but wrote that he would “provide information and assistance to any and all agencies in the proactive investigation of this troubling and senseless crime.”

Sealock added: “I have full confidence that the investigating agencies will unravel this crime and will prevail in bringing the guilty culprit or culprits to justice.”

As outside investigators focus on that crime, Sealock said Aliquippa police “will be focusing our resources on other investigations and looking out for the safety and welfare of our citizens.”

The department has been in turmoil since the murder.

Sgt. Kenneth Watkins was placed on paid leave following the murder because his 17-year-old daughter Lauren Watkins had been with DelTondo minutes before she was shot.

Chief Don Couch was placed on administrative leave June 6 for unspecified reasons, and two days later the officer named to replace him on an interim basis, Assistant Chief Joseph Perciavalle III, was arrested for allegedly sending lewd text messages to a group that included Lauren Watkins. Perciavalle's alleged texts were discovered as part of the DelTondo investigation.

Sealock was named acting chief in the wake of Perciavalle's arrest.