A former Allegheny County police officer who has a troubled past was charged Wednesday in connection with the death of his 15-year-old niece, who overdosed on fentanyl in his Beechview home in 2017.
The suspect once worked as a narcotics detective for the county, but that ended in 2012.
"We just saw it and had no idea," said Edward Galiszewski, who although not related by blood, considered Isabella Bondi to be his granddaughter.
"She called us grandma and pap," said Barbara Galiszewski. "We talk about her all the time and it’s amazing how somebody can make such an impact on your life."
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Attorney General Josh Shapiro told Channel 11 detectives found stamp bags of fentanyl and a syringe in Isabella's bedroom, and across the hallway, police say they found hundreds of the same stamp bags.
"Isabella is gone. I can’t believe it. It’s going to be two years in July. It’s just hard to take," Barbara Galiszewski said.
But Bondi's attorney told Channel 11 his client is not responsible for the teen's death.
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"This is a tragedy. Dan did not knowingly endanger the young lady," Casey White said.
"If he is found guilty it’s not going to bring Isabella back but at least we will have something that will give us some satisfaction," Barbara Galiszewski said.
Bondi is in the Allegheny County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
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