Dr. Yazeed Essa gets life in prison

The Yazeed Essa case appears to be a 'complex text book case,' much more interesting than most, depicting what it takes and how long is necessary to bring about justice.

I say 'text book' not because it was an open and shut case at first but because this case will be used for years to come in law schools all over the country.

I find it hard to talk about this particular case because I went to high school with Rosie's sister, Deanna.

I feel if I start analyzing the case, I may sound cold. And I definitely do not want to sound impersonal --especially to the family. Yet, if I don't discuss it at all in this blog, I will ignore documenting one of the most fascinating Cuyahoga County cases of all time.

From the very beginning when Dr. Essa plotted to poison Rosie and make it appear as an accident, one realized this case would have many twists and turns.

Once it was established Rosie's death was murder and Dr. Essa fled the country, everyone started scratching their heads and wondering what would be uncovered next.

I am not going to rehash the last five years. We all know what happened.

Suffice it to say this high profile case intrigued everyone.

I have a friend who popped into a Medina County restaurant the day Dr. Essa was sentenced. He said normally there may be a few of the regulars on hand. However, this day the place was packed. When he asked the owner what was happening, he said, 'The Essa sentencing case is on' and went back to viewing the event with the masses.

Bottom line: Dr. Yazeed Essa was sentenced to life in prison with the chance for parole after 20 years --under the law.


I'm sure Dr. Essa will appeal. He never addressed the family, the judge, nor the court, as instructed by his lawyers. But, for the first time ever, he showed emotion, and I believe it was real.


Though the case may be closed for now, what the family has encountered and will have to endure for the rest of their lives will never be over.

The DiPuccio family exemplifies one of the strongest, most faith-filled, tight-knit family's I have ever witnessed.

I can not even imagine where they've gotten the strength to carry themselves over the last 5 years.

They are all true inspirations who I personally will remember often, especially when I myself am facing adversity.

Nothing I've faced thus far, including the death of my Mom (and you all know Mom's death is still a nightmare for me), has been as awful as losing a daughter, a mother, a sibling and friend the way the DiPuccio family lost Rosie.


Besides being a prominent court case, this case teaches many life lessons.

Dr. Essa's actions changed a family and their future forever. In one second their history vacillated toward a different direction. Nothing will ever be the same for the DiPuccio family.

Life goes on. I've learned that with Mom. But, it appears, that their life goals now may take a new route: taking care of Rosie's children, making sure they know how wonderful their mother was, and in 20 years, making sure there is no way in hell Yazeed Essa gets out of prison.


Another lesson learned is to be aware. When a friend tells us something's not right, listen to them just as Rosie's best friend listened to her about the medicine Yazeed forced Rosie to take just before she got into her car.


Hold your family and close friends near and dear to your heart every day for you never know when they'll be gone. Tell them you love them and allow yourself to be loved.


Live life as if it were your last.


And never forget Rosie DiPuccio.

iAlert System & so much more...news is closed!

Wednesday, thus far, has been an extremely busy news day. And that is why I am in this business! Factoring in the weather and school closings alone would be enough. These tasks are my sole focal point today.

But wait, there's more.

We have Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones in house speaking live on air during our 7pm Show with Senior Political Reporter Tom Beres, Carole Sullivan, and Eric Mansfield about the Medical Mart.

Mike O'Mara covered a story that hits close to home for me. He went to the arraignment of Dr. Yazeed Essa, who has been charged with poisoning his wife, Rosemarie, back in February of 2005. I went to high school with Rosemarie's sister, Deanna. Every time we hear from the DiPuccio family, see Deanna in our video or hear the awful story behind this case, I get chills knowing that someone I know is living this nightmare.

Our newsroom has been bustling today. A few folks from The Plain Dealer dropped in to look around and talk to staffers --why? Honestly, I am not privy to why at this time, and if I were, I'm betting I could not share with you! I'm sure we will all read about it in the PD over the coming days or weeks.

The email continue coming in...and I've learned that even if the email comes in before or after I arrive, I still need to wade through every single piece. It may not be addressed to the entire news desk or some of it may be falling through the cracks due to the mass amount we are dealing with....so better safe than sorry! But, this too, takes up a good bulk of my time!



As many of you already may have heard, we have updated our iAlert School Closing System.

There are now 3 bars of information for our viewers including a 'just in' line for newer closings and delays.

With any new venture or project, there are bugs that need to be worked out...a 'work in progress' so to speak.

So far, my experience with the system has been a dream! It is much quicker, easier and can allow us to type the day closed, status, and include a time for the closing to expire.

I've spoken to many customers who have voiced their concerns, though, about the system.

Many callers say the screen is too much. Others say with their new fancy HDTV's, they can not see the very bottom line or the sides get cut off.

Still other administrators who are trying to use the phone-in system get cut off and can not type in the status they desire. I've been trying to get everyone to log onto the website and do it that way, which is so much easier.

I'm sure, part of the problems are the school folks getting used to the new system, and some user error.


Many supers and program directors claim they never received a new packet of information....


This will be a learning process for all involved. But again, overall, it has been a dream on this end.


I urge superintendents, school and church administrators, company bosses, business leaders who want to be a part of the iAlert System to send or email a request on company letterhead to either newsdesk@wkyc.com or asisak@wkyc.com or fax 216.344.3314. Our system administrator will get back to you with an ID and Password and packet of information on how to use the upgraded system.

And remember for the future, do this BEFORE the snow falls!!!!! It will make your life much easier!!!