Einhorn Barbarito Criminal Defense Lawyer Matthew Troiano Provides Legal Expertise On “48 Hours“ In An Investigation Of The 2013 Colts Neck Home Invasion

In 2013, Donna Ongsiako was stabbed repeatedly in a violent home invasion at her residence in Colts Neck, New Jersey. She and her daughter lived in a farmhouse on the edge of flower fields. On the evening of July 4th, she heard a noise and opened the front door to see a person on her porch, holding a knife. He pushed his way in and started to stab her. As she lay in a fetal position on the floor, the attacker rummaged through her purse for her car keys and a lighter, and then returned one last time to Donna to plunge the knife into her chest. Detectives said that Donna’s ability to place a call to 911 was amazing due to her severe injuries, and even more so because she was able to give a detailed description of her attacker that ultimately became a sketch of the suspect.

Criminal defense lawyer Matthew J. Troiano, of Einhorn Barbarito, a CBS News consultant for 48 Hours, contributed his perspective as a former prosecutor and as defense counsel.

He described how the months-long investigation arrived at a turning point where the suspect’s DNA was obtained via a warrant, linking his fingerprints to Donna’s stolen car. Troiano explained that the 16-year-old suspect Brennan Doyle was arrested in October 2013 and charged with attempted murder, carjacking, and weapons possession. According to investigative reports he examined, Troiano said that the suspect had claimed he was under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms, and while there was ample evidence against him it was the DNA that was indefensible. As it turned out, there was no need for a defense, because Brennan Doyle agreed to a plea deal, admitting his guilt and being sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

To read the full story on CBS News, click here.