81-Year-Old Tied To Chair, Tortured With Syrup During Robbery: Report

ELKTON, MD — An 81-year-old Delaware man escaped from an Elkton home after he was tied to a chair, beaten, threatened with a knife and burned during a robbery, according to reports from WMAR and Fox45 News.

Cecil County sheriff’s deputies were called to a home on Chestnut Drive around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday after someone reported finding a naked, injured man in a yard, reports said. The man was taken to a hospital for treatment and later released.

The victim told investigators he had gone to the home to meet 31-year-old Taylor Storm Falcone. Deputies said 28-year-old Austin Michael Maniscalco was also inside and that the two had conspired to lure the victim there, detain him and steal his belongings.

Investigators said Maniscalco tied the man to a chair, punched him and held a knife to his throat while demanding the combination to a safe at the victim’s Delaware home. Maniscalco then heated syrup in a microwave and poured it on the victim, causing burns, according to the reports.

After obtaining the combination, Maniscalco wrote it on the victim’s forehead and stole cash, jewelry and vehicle keys, deputies said. Investigators said Maniscalco later fell asleep, allowing the victim to free himself and escape.

A Cecil County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team arrested Maniscalco at the home, while deputies arrested Falcone after she returned.

Maniscalco faces charges including robbery, first-degree assault, false imprisonment and theft. Falcone faces multiple conspiracy charges. Both were being held without bond.