AUGUSTA, Maine — The uncle of missing Maine toddler Ayla Reynolds has been convicted of assaulting another one of the little girl’s relatives in a dispute sparked in part by her disappearance.
Lance DiPietro pleaded no contest Thursday and was automatically found guilty by a Kennebec County Superior Court judge. DiPietro was fined $300 as part of a plea deal.
DiPietro is the brother of Justin DiPietro, the father of Ayla, who was 20 months old when she was reported missing from her Waterville home Dec. 17.
Lance DiPietro was accused of assaulting Justin Linnell in February.
Linnell has a child with the DiPietros’ sister.
The Morning Sentinel reports that Linnell said the dispute was sparked by comments he made about Ayla’s disappearance as well as his relationship with the DiPietros’ sister.
So from now on any familial connection to this missing child is going to be newsworthy, if only to keep up the pressure on the suspects.
That may be so but, it sure does keep Ayla in the news and that may be a good thing. She may be found because of the boneheaded actions of her relatives. Let’s hope for that.
Someone in this family needs to be found guilty of murder. what a frustrating experience.
Well, Well… I know what I’m thinking. What are you people thinking?? Could there be a connection??? Something Is not right here…
What is needed here is someone with a decent soul to step forward. Or someone who fears the gates of Hades.
Who care where is the baby??? I think they all know including the police. Makes me sick..
One nice big violent family. How nice!
sigh…yuck!! many families just don’t have these sort of issues.
this whole thing is being covered up by someone.
The thought of losing a child or grandchildren is heartbreaking to me. The pain that Ayla’s mom and Grampy are going through is heart wrenching and then they get attacked by people that post on this site. I just can’t image what they are going through, not having the little angel to hear in the morning or her singing and playing during the day and at bedtime needing that one more kiss or sip of water…Geust you have not posted anything that makes sense or is removed. I think you babble and are VERY insensitive towards others no matter what the topic. I am asking you nicely keep your comments to yourself when a family is in pain.
Ayla’s mom and Grampy you are in my prayers and thoughts everyday. You will never get over this but hopefully one day we, the people can bring Ayla home to you where she belongs.