Delco family: Reopen Brasberger death probe
Four years ago when the family of Paul Brasberger learned of his sudden death, their first thoughts were that he was murdered.
Four years ago when the family of Paul Brasberger learned of his sudden death, their first thoughts were that he was murdered.
On Friday, despite the chilly temperatures, about a dozen family and friends gathered in front of the Delaware County courthouse to bring attention to his death - which they contend has not been investigated thoroughly.
"We are never going to stop until we get justice," said Mark Brasberger, Paul's brother.
Paul Brasberger, 49, died suddenly of what a Delaware County medical examiner first told his family may have been heart disease. But he later concluded that it "may not have been a consequence of natural disease," but rather "from the effects of an undetectable-to-date lethal substance administered to him unawares."
Brasberg's family alleged that his fiance at the time, Jo-Ann Stachowicz, was involved in his death.
In June, they sued claiming she never intended to marry Paul Brasberger, was only after his money, and was engaged to another man at the time. She was found guilty of fraud over their relationship and awarded $137,000 to his estate.
"It is a witch-hunt," said Larry Rubin, Jo-Ann Stachowicz's attorney.
In September, District Attorney Jack Whelan told Brasberger family members that evidence from the medical examiner's report was insufficient to prove murder beyond a reasonable doubt. He said he will meet with them again.
In June 2009, Paul Brasberger met Stachowicz after the death of husband.
The two hit it off, moved to Texas, and became engaged that Christmas. The couple opened bank accounts, and Paul Brasberger named Stachowicz as beneficiary on his retirement accounts. She also became his power of attorney -- at his suggestion -- she later testified.
In December 2011, Brasberger took out a $100,000 life insurance policy and named her as beneficiary.
The next month, he fell ill and died.
Barely two weeks later, Stachowicz married Joe Cataldi Jr., who she had met in 2008 when she was in the process of divorcing her first husband. The pair got engaged - but broke it off in 2010.
Stachowicz filed to claim on the insurance policy for Paul Brasberger but was denied.
United of Omaha, denied Stachowicz's claim saying Paul lied on the application. She sued and the case is currently in federal court, said Rubin.
Tony Brasberger, Paul's brother, said they were recently contacted by an investigator for Metropolitan Life about a second large policy that was taken out shortly before his brother's death.
Whelan said he was aware of the policy and are looking into the details.
Rubin declined to comment about the second insurance policy.
"It has gotten to the point it is just plain harassment," Rubin said. "The only thing they want is revenge."
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