Authorities allege that 33-year-old John Kasianczuk of Levittown punched and stomped 49-year-old Roberto Avalle in August, causing a brain hemorrhage that led to his death in October at SCI Laurel Highlands.
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said Monday that Avalle had been at Graterford prison for only 10 days. She called it a "totally unprovoked attack."
Officials said Avalle had been serving a 2½ to five-year sentence in a witness intimidation case. Kasianczuk was serving 1½ to three years in a Bristol robbery. He remains in custody without bail; it was unclear whether he had an attorney.
