Helen Gillin's remains cannot be put to rest yet
Helen Gillin's remains cannot be put to rest yet
June 7, 2002
Sean McPartland
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Even though the murder trials stemming from the death of Helen Gillin in 1992 are now concluded, the remains of the 25-year-old woman will not be laid to rest for at least another two years.
Her adoptive father, James Gillin, was convicted of killing her and burning her body to hide the crime. Police said she was having a sexual relationship with her father.
Her mother, Roberta Gillin, was acquitted Thursday of her murder after a four-day trial.
But the 2,200 bones, none larger than 3 inches, will not be released to relatives for burial until James Gillin's appeal is denied by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, according to Fayette County District Attorney Nancy Vernon.
"It's troubling that (Helen's) family can't participate in finally putting her remains to rest. But the remains are kept reverently by the coroner. When (James Gillin's) state Supreme Court appeal expires, we'll recommend burial at that time to the coroner," Vernon said.
Helen's remains were found across the street from the Gillins' Bear Rocks home after James and Roberta Gillin were arrested in 1999. The location came to light when the Gillins' son, Timothy, directed police to a spot where he had scattered ashes from the family's fire pit.
The crime was not reported to police until 1995, when Mary Jo Overly, another daughter of the Gillins', told a friend, who then told police. No arrests were made until 1999 because of a lack of evidence.
Overly, 32, formerly of Fayette County, now of Southwest, expressed grief Thursday over her sister's brutal death and blamed herself because she didn't contact authorities.
"That's something I have to live with," she said.
Overly said she has purchased an infant's casket for Helen's remains. As she awaited the verdict Thursday, she clutched a palm-sized, blond-haired doll in a red dress that she said she and Helen had fought over as children.
She said the doll will be in Helen's casket.
"(The doll) is all I have left of her," Overly said, sobbing.
Sean McPartland can be reached at smcpartland@tribweb.com. Helen Gillin's remains cannot be put to rest yet
June 7, 2002
Sean McPartland
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Even though the murder trials stemming from the death of Helen Gillin in 1992 are now concluded, the remains of the 25-year-old woman will not be laid to rest for at least another two years.
Her adoptive father, James Gillin, was convicted of killing her and burning her body to hide the crime. Police said she was having a sexual relationship with her father.
Her mother, Roberta Gillin, was acquitted Thursday of her murder after a four-day trial.
But the 2,200 bones, none larger than 3 inches, will not be released to relatives for burial until James Gillin's appeal is denied by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, according to Fayette County District Attorney Nancy Vernon.
"It's troubling that (Helen's) family can't participate in finally putting her remains to rest. But the remains are kept reverently by the coroner. When (James Gillin's) state Supreme Court appeal expires, we'll recommend burial at that time to the coroner," Vernon said.
Helen's remains were found across the street from the Gillins' Bear Rocks home after James and Roberta Gillin were arrested in 1999. The location came to light when the Gillins' son, Timothy, directed police to a spot where he had scattered ashes from the family's fire pit.
The crime was not reported to police until 1995, when Mary Jo Overly, another daughter of the Gillins', told a friend, who then told police. No arrests were made until 1999 because of a lack of evidence.
Overly, 32, formerly of Fayette County, now of Southwest, expressed grief Thursday over her sister's brutal death and blamed herself because she didn't contact authorities.
"That's something I have to live with," she said.
Overly said she has purchased an infant's casket for Helen's remains. As she awaited the verdict Thursday, she clutched a palm-sized, blond-haired doll in a red dress that she said she and Helen had fought over as children.
She said the doll will be in Helen's casket.
"(The doll) is all I have left of her," Overly said, sobbing.
Sean McPartland can be reached at smcpartland@tribweb.com.