WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County jury has convicted two parents in the fentanyl-related death of their 8-year-old son, while prosecutors also announced new charges against a Massachusetts man accused of robbing a local bank and fleeing from police, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
After a six-day trial, a jury found Mousa Hawa, 43, and Holly Back, 42, guilty on all charges, including third-degree murder, in connection with the death of their young son. Prosecutors alleged the child died from the combined effects of fentanyl, morphine, and cocaine ingestion.
Authorities said the pair were arrested in June 2024 after investigators discovered drugs and drug paraphernalia in the immediate area of the child’s body. According to evidence presented at trial, both defendants had allegedly ingested fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin in the hours before the child’s death. Forensic testing reportedly revealed at least one additional fentanyl exposure prior to the fatal incident.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendants referred to their illegal substances as “medicine” and told the child not to touch them unless directed. Despite access to Narcan in the room, prosecutors argued that neither defendant took action to assist the child in time.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said the evidence presented was “gut-wrenching” and thanked jurors for delivering what he described as a just verdict. Coatesville Police Chief Jack Laufer characterized the case as “sad and disturbing,” praising the collaborative efforts of local and county law enforcement.
In a separate case announced in the same update, Nicholas Casaburri, 44, of Leominster, Massachusetts, was charged February 6, 2026, by Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J Embreeville, and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office with robbery, assault on law enforcement officers, and related offenses.
According to the criminal complaint, troopers responded to a report that the Santander Bank in London Grove Township had allegedly been robbed by a person armed with a knife. Police said troopers located the suspect vehicle shortly thereafter and pursued it until it crashed into an embankment. Casaburri was taken into custody at the scene, and investigators reported recovering money and a knife from the crash debris.
Casaburri’s charges remain allegations. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Officials also reminded the public to report concerns about child safety by calling 911 or contacting Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
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