Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Dina Manzo and her then-fiancé David Cantin were the victims of a traumatic home invasion in 2017. The couple had just returned from Audriana Giudice’s first communion.
Audriana is the daughter of RHONJ stars Teresa Giudice and her husband, Joe Giudice. Dina is Audriana’s godmother, and Audriana’s christening was documented on the show. It was nice to see a sweet and happy occasion with no flipping tables or screaming matches. And without anyone being tossed in a pool.
But what happened next was anything but sweet. According to Page Six, the couple was attacked by two men when they entered their home. The two suspects were already inside. One of the intruders hit David with a baseball bat. The other suspect punched Dina several times. Then the couple was bound together while the thieves escaped with jewelry and cash. Finally, David was able to break free and call 911. The couple went to a local hospital to be treated for their facial injuries. That sounds awful!
James Mainello, who was arrested for the crime in May, has remained behind bars. A press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office on July 22 stated that Mainello was indicted by a grand jury on the following charges: first-degree robbery, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree burglary, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree theft, and third-degree criminal restraint.
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If Mainello is convicted of a first-degree crime, he faces a sentence of up to 20 years behind bars. If he is convicted of a second-degree crime, Mainello is looking at five to 10 years in prison. The third-degree charges have terms of three to five years in prison.
Marco A. Laracca, Mainello’s attorney, told Page Six, “My client maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court. He is not guilty and will be seen as such when facts come to light.”
At the time of Mainello’s arrest, David and Dina’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, issued a statement to TMZ. Brettler said that the couple was grateful to the New Jersey law enforcement officers, “whose diligent investigation over the last two years culminated in today’s arrest.” The couple added,” … Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern for our well-being. We’ve had such a great support system.”
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And the couple, who reside in California, have found strength in each other. After some hinting and cryptic clues, Dina finally confessed that she and David secretly wed on June 28, 2017. Dina took to her Instagram to share some details of their chill wedding. “In front of the gorgeous Pacific, surrounded by nature and puppies, they promised to be there in good times and bad. A simple, meaningful wedding on a day chosen by the stars … and so it is. #thirdtimesacharm 6•28•17
I am glad that the wheels of justice, no matter how slow, are turning in the home invasion case so that Dina and David can put the terrifying incident behind them and focus on their future.
TELL US- ARE YOU SHOCKED THAT IT TOOK SO LONG TO INDICT THE SUSPECT? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT DINA KEEPING HER WEDDING A SECRET?
[Photo Credit: Instagram]
