Parents plead innocent in death of retarded daughter

The Associated Press

UNIONTOWN, Pa. - A man and his wife both pleaded innocent to murdering their mentally retarded adopted daughter in 1992 and burning her corpse to conceal her death, but only the wife is cooperating with authorities.

Roberta Gillin testified against her husband, James Gillin, at a preliminary hearing last month, saying he told her he was having a sexual relationship with their adopted daughter, Helen Gillin. Roberta Gillin said that after telling her of the relationship, he took the 25-year-old daughter outside and killed her.

Another daughter has said James Gillin beat and kicked Helen to death.

Although authorities said Roberta Gillin has been cooperative, she remains charged with criminal homicide.