Beating Victim Dies | News



WILKES-BARRE — A woman from Luzerne County found badly beaten inside her home just days after Christmas has died in the hospital.

The coroner’s office said Lorraine Stelma, 69, died Thursday.

Paramedics found the woman injured and unconscious last month inside her home along Horton Street.

The woman’s son Mark Stelma was arrested that day on unrelated charges.

According to a search warrant, Mark Stelma may have beaten his mother for drug money.

Mark Stelma posted bail and was released from the Luzerne County Jail last week.

The Luzerne County Coroner said the autopsy is incomplete pending further test results, which are expected to take several weeks.

Prosecutors said they need the test results and coroner’s report before determining if Mark Stelma will face any charges in connection to his mother’s death.