Teen Arrested for Pamela Vitale Murder

A teenage neighbor of Daniel Horowitz, who was apparently involved in a credit-card-theft scheme to purchase marijuana-growing equipment, has been arrested for murder in connection with the prominent attorney's wife, Pamela Vitale.

Scott Dyleski, who will turn 17 next week, has been arrested for murder in connection with the brutal beating death of Pamela Vitale, 52, and will be charged as an adult in the case, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The newspaper reported that Dyleski and a friend used stolen credit card bills from a common mailbox area in the Lafayette, California neighborhood to order pot-growing equipment Oct. 12. The equipment was never delivered, but sources told the Chronicle that Dyleski went to the Horowitz estate Saturday morning believing that the equipment had been delivered to their address.

Couple Knew Teen Attacker

While looking for the equipment, the teen got into a confrontation with Pamela Vitale, struck her 39 times with a piece of crown molding, drank a glass of water, washed his hands in the sink, took a shower inside the mobile home, and left the murder weapon behind, sources told the Chronicle.

Unconfirmed reports said Dyleski carved a "gothic signature" in Vitale's back. Dyleski, who is five foot, five inches tall and weighs 110 pounds, had scratches on his face and legs consistent with a violent struggle when arrested, sources said.

The teen lived less than a mile from the Horowitz home and was known by the couple. Horowitz reportedly had done some free legal work for Dyleski in the past.

Horowitz, a defense attorney and frequent legal commentator on cable news networks, found the body of his wife Saturday at the entrance of the mobile home in which they were living while building their dream home nearby.

Dyleski's pot-growing friend has not been implicated in the murder.

See Also:
16-Year-Old Male Arrested in Brutal Vitale Slaying
Teen Arrested in Connection With Murder of Lawyer Daniel Horowitz's Wife

Background:
Investigation Still 'Wide Open' in Horowitz Case
Wife of Attorney Daniel Horowitz Found Dead
Mistrial Declared in Susan Polk Murder Trial
Susan Polk: Murder or Self-Defense?

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