Victim’s family fighting against convicted killer’s possible release from Pa. prison

INDIANA CO., Pa. — Ronald Weiss has been behind bars for decades in connection with the murder of a girl who went missing in 1978 near Saltsburg.

Barbie Bruzda, 16, was last seen playing pool with Weiss at Joe’s Place, a neighborhood pub operated by her father in Tunnelton. Bruzda left the tavern Oct. 23, 1978, and vanished until March 1979, when a hunter discovered her remains wrapped in a blanket in a wooded area along Locust Road in Young Township. Investigators said she had been beaten to death with a blunt object.

Weiss was charged in 1985, convicted and eventually sentenced to death for Bruzda’s murder.

For years, Weiss’ legal team has fought to appeal the conviction. Eventually, he was removed from death row and sentenced to life in prison.

But now, the victim’s family is fighting the possibility of Weiss getting released from prison altogether due to time served.

Weiss had a status hearing Monday at the Indiana County Courthouse. No decision was made, but Bruzda’s family called it a travesty and do not want him released under any circumstance.

“I can’t figure out how you can be on death row to now a couple hours from being let out of jail with nothing,” said Dave Bruzda, a family member of the victim.

Weiss will stay in prison until at least June or even later -- after briefs are filed.