JOHNSTOWN, PA – Human remains were discovered at the former residence of Brian Giles, a man convicted of murder last week for the killing of his wife. Giles resided with his wife, Nancy Giles, at the Johnstown apartment before she went missing in October 2018. Her remains were found in a shallow grave at the Inclined Plane hillside in Johnstown in May 2019.
After deliberation of about an hour, the jury convicted Giles of first-degree murder and aggravated assault in Nancy’s death last Thursday. Giles reportedly declared his innocence when he was being taken from the courtroom. His lawyer, Timothy Burns, called the verdict “disappointing,” citing Giles’ reported mental health struggles.
Authorities searched the apartment, Giles’ former residence, following a report of a possible body on Friday. Coroner Jeffrey Lees confirmed the discovery of human remains in the basement and described the death as “highly suspicious.” Lees confirmed that an extensive investigation would follow.
Mercyhurst University in Erie will conduct further forensic analysis of the remains, which were autopsied on Saturday. Following the university’s findings, Lees will determine the cause and manner of death. A major priority will be identifying the remains.
Jilly Todaro, Giles’ girlfriend following his wife’s disappearance, also lived at the apartment. She disappeared in December 2020 and remains missing. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the search is related to Todaro’s case. No charges have been filed in her case yet.
Burns, Giles’s defence attorney during his murder trial, declined to comment on the recent discovery of remains.
During the closing arguments of Giles’s trial, the prosecution claimed Brian Giles forbade his wife from having a cellphone and was verbally abusive. Cambria County Assistant District Attorney Jessica Aurandt argued that Giles had the motive, opportunity, and readied narrative for the crime.