A burglary investigation in Penfield, New York, led deputies to a much more serious discovery Sept. 13 when they found a woman dead inside a nearby residence.
The victim was identified as 60-year-old Amy M. Hogan. Authorities say her son, 39-year-old Joseph A. Petrella, is accused of killing her and attempting to conceal her body inside the bathtub of his trailer.
The investigation began around 3 p.m. after Monroe County sheriff’s deputies were called to Ewald Drive following a report that someone had entered a vehicle and a home in the neighborhood and that property was missing.
As deputies investigated the reported burglary, their attention turned to Petrella, who lived nearby. He allowed a deputy to enter his residence, where investigators noticed circumstances that they considered unusual.
Petrella was detained while deputies continued investigating. A search of the residence then led to the discovery of Hogan’s body.
Investigators say Hogan had suffered multiple stab wounds. Her body was wrapped in a plastic shower curtain and placed in the bathtub. Frozen items had also been placed around the body, which authorities believe was an effort to conceal it.
Investigators believe the fatal stabbing happened during a confrontation between Petrella and his mother. The circumstances leading up to that confrontation remain part of the investigation.
Following the discovery, the residence was secured as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence. The sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit took over the homicide investigation, with evidence technicians and other investigative personnel working at the property.
Petrella was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder, second-degree burglary and petit larceny. He was arraigned and remanded to the Monroe County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
Petrella has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The case remains pending, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
Hogan’s death has also left behind a family grieving the loss of a mother and grandmother. She had three daughters as well as her son and was remembered by her family as someone who found particular joy in creating things for the people she loved.
Her family described her as a creative person whose talents were especially evident when she made things for her family. Being a grandmother was said to have brought her the greatest happiness.
The investigation is continuing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Hogan’s death. Petrella is expected to face further court proceedings as the case moves forward.
