Jilly Todaro : Remains of Missing Woman in Convicted Killer’s Basement Identified: Charges Pending

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Human remains discovered in the basement of convicted murderer Brian Bradley Giles’ former residence have been confirmed to be those of his former girlfriend, Jilly Todaro, who had been missing since December 2020, officials announced on Thursday.

Following a thorough examination by a forensic odontologist and anthropologist, Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees positively identified the remains through body imaging. The autopsy results led Lees to determine the manner of death as a homicide.

As of Thursday morning, no one has been charged in connection with Todaro’s death. However, Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer indicated that charges are imminent, emphasizing that there is only one suspect in the case.

The grim discovery of Todaro’s remains comes on the heels of Giles’ recent conviction for the first-degree murder and aggravated assault of his wife, Nancy Giles, who went missing in 2018. Her remains were later found in 2019 along a trail on the Inclined Plane hillside in downtown Johnstown.

Brian Giles and Jilly Todaro were romantically involved during the investigation into Nancy Giles’ disappearance and subsequent death.

Prior to the recent discovery, a search of the Johnstown residence that Todaro shared with Brian Giles was conducted in 2020 following her disappearance report. The remains were unearthed last Friday in the basement of the property on Franklin Street in the city’s Kernville area.

Neugebauer revealed that specific information obtained last Friday played a crucial role in leading authorities to the location of Todaro’s remains, strengthening the case against the suspect.

Todaro, who was 43 when she disappeared, would have turned 46 at the time her remains were found.

Coroner Lees refrained from disclosing the exact cause of death but confirmed that it was a result of homicidal violence. He expressed gratitude on behalf of Todaro’s family for finally being able to lay her to rest, allowing them to begin the healing process.

‘I wish she knew how many people cared’

During a press conference at Lees’ office in Johnstown, Johnstown Police Department Detective Brad Christ and Cambria County Assistant District Attorney Jessica Aurandt joined the coroner and district attorney in addressing the media.

Christ emphasized the dedication of law enforcement in tirelessly pursuing the case, urging the public to report instances of domestic abuse to prevent tragedies like Todaro’s from occurring.

Neugebauer reminisced about Todaro’s personality, describing her as a kind individual who had faced multiple instances of assault allegedly perpetrated by Giles. He underscored the importance of offering help to individuals in abusive situations.

Aurandt shared her emotional response upon the identification of Todaro’s remains, highlighting the collective efforts made to ensure she received the dignity she deserved. She expressed regret that Todaro may not have realized the extent of support from the community.