Johnstown remains identified as ex-girlfriend of convicted murderer | WTAJ

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees announced that human remains found in the former home of convicted murderer Brian Giles have been identified.

The remains were identified as Jilly Todaro, 43, a Johnstown woman who was reported missing in 2020. The identification process was completed by a forensic anthropologist through body imaging. The circumstances of the death have been ruled a homicide, Lees announced at a news conference Thursday.

“It was just a rollercoaster of emotions. But ultimately, we remain committed at the DA's Office…to doing our best to get justice for Jilly, for her and her family,” said Cambria County Deputy Prosecutor Jessica Aurandt.

Todaro was initially reported missing on December 13, 2020. On December 18, 2020, police executed a search warrant at Giles' former home. Police noted that this was the last place Todaro was seen before she disappeared.

Police named Giles as a person of interest in the investigation in May 2021 because the two were in a relationship at the time of his disappearance, just a year before Giles was charged with the murder of his wife Nancy Giles.

In September 2020, Todaro contacted the Cambria County District Attorney's Office and told them she had items belonging to Nancy that Brian allegedly gave her. The items included clothing and jewelry, such as Nancy's engagement ring and wedding band.

Old WTAJ coverage on Todaro and Giles

Todaro's body was found in the basement of Giles' former home in Johnstown on Friday, June 7. Agencies arrived on scene after receiving what they described as “concerning” information from Giles just after his sentencing on Thursday June 6.

“Jilly has had a difficult life. A really hard life. We all knew her through no fault of hers. This one hurts. It really is. Gone are the days when, as law enforcement, you were supposed to act tough and not let anything bother you,” said Cambria County Prosecutor Greg Neugebauer. “This one is difficult. This is not going to stop us from doing our job to give Jilly the justice she deserves.

The investigation remains active at this time, Neugebauer said. No charges were filed Thursday, however, Neugebauer said the team expects charges in the near future.