Naked mother, 57, stabbed daughter, 23, to death in fairytale stone cottage two days before Christmas, prosecutors say
Diane Grovola, 57, has been charged with first-degree murder after she allegedly confessed to stabbing her 23-year-old Daniele Grovola to death.
- GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING
By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER
Published: 15:55 GMT, 30 December 2025 | Updated: 15:57 GMT, 30 December 2025
A naked Pennsylvania woman allegedly confessed to stabbing her daughter to death in their stone cottage home just days before Christmas.
Diane Grovola, 57, has been charged with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of her daughter.
Upper Darby Police responded to the family's nearly $400,000 home on December 23 and discovered 23-year-old Daniele Grovola dead with multiple stab wounds.
Her father, John Grovola, 55, had returned home around 6.30am after working a shift at the Philadelphia Airport and stopped at McDonald's to bring home breakfast for his family, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Delaware County Daily Times.
John walked into a horrific scene and was greeted by the family dog, who had also been stabbed and 'got blood on his clothing,' the court document stated.
He found Diane sitting on the living room sofa with a knife in her hand, and she allegedly confessed to her husband saying, 'I stabbed our daughter.'
John walked into his daughter's bedroom, and found her lying on her back with her eyes open, but she was unresponsive.
As he called 911, Diane allegedly told John she was suicidal and began stabbing herself, according to the affidavit. The operator told John to flee the home and he complied. No motive for the horror has been given.
Diane Grovola (left), 57, has been charged with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of her daughter, 23-year-old Daniele Grovola (right)
John Grovola, 55, returned to the family's $400,000 home after work on December 23 and found his wife on the sofa allegedly confessing to murdering their daughter
Diane (pictured) is being held with out bail and also has been charged with criminal homicide, third-degree murder, possessing an instrument of a crime and aggravated cruelty to an animal causing serious bodily injury or death
While John was outside, Diane allegedly stripped naked and began breaking items around the house.
When police arrived, Diane was found naked, covered in blog and had suffered self-inflicted lacerations, the affidavit stated.
She allegedly resisted arrest and was forced into wrist restraints. Once secure, Diane told officers, 'Sorry, I should have stabbed myself first,' according to the affidavit.