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Who Was Melissa Rocuba & What Happened to Her? 2026 Update & Profile

by · January 15, 2026

Melissa Rocuba was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend who lived in the small town of Simpson, Pennsylvania. Known for her warmth and generosity, Melissa was described by her family as a “bright light” whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. She was especially close to her daughters, Chelsea Cicio and Sabrina Rocuba, and cherished her role as a mother and grandmother.

Melissa came from a tight-knit family and maintained strong bonds with her father, Joe White. Those who knew her recall a woman full of energy, deeply rooted in family life, and committed to building a happy home. Her life was grounded in routine and care for others, but beneath the surface, there were signs of growing tension in her marriage to Bruno Rocuba.

What Happened to Melissa Rocuba?

On August 6, 2013, Melissa was shot in the head inside the home she shared with Bruno in Simpson. Bruno called 911 and claimed the shooting had been an accident—saying the gun discharged while he was either unloading it or playfully handling it with his wife. Melissa was rushed to the hospital but died four days later.

Despite the fatal nature of the wound and conflicting accounts from Bruno, no charges were filed at the time. Police did not find immediate cause to prosecute, and the death was ruled accidental. For nearly a decade, the case remained dormant, leaving Melissa’s loved ones with questions that never received answers.

The Long Road to Justice

In 2022, the case was reopened by Pennsylvania State Police after renewed attention to the inconsistencies in Bruno’s statements. Investigators uncovered a previously overlooked audio recording from the night of the shooting. The tape captured a fight between Melissa and Bruno shortly before the gunshot. This evidence cast serious doubt on the original explanation and prompted prosecutors to reexamine the case.

In May 2024, Bruno Rocuba pleaded guilty to third-degree murder. At his sentencing in January 2025, he was handed a prison term of 12 to 40 years. In court, members of Melissa’s family confronted him with raw emotion. Her father called out Bruno’s deception and lack of remorse, while her daughters expressed the profound pain of losing both parents—one to death, and the other to prison.

Remembering Melissa

Melissa Rocuba’s death was not just the loss of a life but the loss of a woman who had been the heart of her family. Her daughters have fought for years to honor her memory and uncover the truth, finally seeing justice after nearly a decade. They describe their mother as compassionate, lively, and selfless—a woman who should have grown old surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Her story now stands as a solemn reminder of how domestic violence can hide in plain sight and how persistence in seeking truth can ultimately lead to justice. Though Melissa’s life was taken too soon, the fight for accountability ensures that her voice—captured in that final, haunting recording—is no longer ignored.

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Ryan Gill

Ryan is a passionate follower of true crime television programs, reporting on and providing in-depth investigations on mysteries in the criminal world.

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