Police have arrested a Graterford prisoner for the murder of another inmate.
On August 22nd, John Anthony Kasianczuk allegedly assaulted Roberto Avalle in the outdoor yard cage of the State Correctional Institution at Graterford in Montgomery County.
Police say Kasianczuk walked up to Avalle and punched him in the side of the head, knocking him to the ground.
Kasianczuk then repeatedly punched and stomped on Avalle’s head, according to authorities.
After the alleged assault, Avalle was taken by helicopter to Hahnemann Hospital. He was transferred to other hospitals before finally being taken to a medical facility at SCI Laurel Highlands in Somerset County.
Investigators say Avalle suffered from a brain bleed. He finally died from his injuries on October 9th.
It wasn’t until April 12th however when the Somerset County Coroner’s Office ruled his death a homicide.
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Kasianczuk was arrested last Saturday and charged with first and third degree murder.
He was arraigned and remanded to the Montgomery County Correction Facility without bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for him on April 26th at 10 a.m.
