YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Four days after a CBS21 News investigation revealed a 24-hour delay in the execution of a search warrant and PFA in the Robert Vicosa case, we continue to dig deeper for answers. The York County District Attorney is taking steps to find out what happened in the case, even bringing in the Pennsylvania Attorney General for help.
“This was a selfish and senseless act of violence that has shaken each and everyone of us to our core,” said York County District Attorney Dave Sunday.
A horrific act of violence that still has many open questions. CBS21 News was the first to report a nearly 24-hour gap in time between the initial report of assault and rape at Robert Vicosa’s home and York Area Regional Police Department’s actions to stop the crime.
“To those that are taking the oath to protect and serve, their pain is indescribable,” DA Sunday said.
Court documents show the victim reported the initial crime to York Area Regional PD around 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. A judge signed a search warrant for 1560 Pleader Lane at 9 p.m. and an emergency protection from abuse order (PFA) was filed at around 1:30 a.m. Monday morning. Police failed to make contact at the home until 3:28 p.m. Monday. By then, seven-year-old Giana and six-year-old Aaminah Vicosa were gone.
“Even on the very best of days, and circumstances, law-enforcement cannot prevent every instance of evil or thwart every plan,” said DA Sunday.
Today, DA Sunday admitted the time lapse is under investigation. Almost immediately, on Monday, the girls’ mother filed a private criminal complaint against York Area Regional Police Chief Tim Damon. In an effort to avoid a conflict of interest, the DA has pushed that complaint to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
“I cannot and will not discuss any further details regarding the private criminal complaint or any specific facts related to these allegations,” said DA Sunday.
In an effort to learn the next step, I reached out to the Attorney General’s Office. Here is the statement provided by Jacklin Rhoads, Communications Director:
“The York County District Attorney referred the private criminal complaint to our office and we are in the process of reviewing. The loss of these two young lives is truly heartbreaking and our thoughts and prayers are with their family and the community mourning this incredible loss.
Like all Pennsylvanians, we hope York County officials’ announcement of a committee to review what led up to these tragic events will get to the bottom of what happened here to ensure it never happens again.”
During today’s news conference, DA Sunday said that any tactical decisions would have to be answered by the department. So, I reached out to the York Area Regional Police Department but have not received any response.-
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