In the often disturbing world of true crime, some stories stand out not just for their brutality, but for the shocking betrayal at their core. One such case is that of Patricia Columbo, a seemingly ordinary young woman from suburban Illinois who orchestrated one of the most cold-blooded familial murders in the state’s history. Nearly 50 years later, her name still evokes a haunting reminder of how deeply darkness can hide behind a familiar face.
A Quiet Suburban Life
Born in 1956, Patricia Columbo grew up in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, a quiet middle-class suburb of Chicago. She was the only daughter of Frank and Mary Columbo, and had a younger brother, Michael. From the outside, the Columbo family appeared stable and supportive. However, behind closed doors, Patricia’s life took a darker path.
As a teenager, Patricia dropped out of high school and began a sexual relationship with Frank DeLuca, a married pharmacist nearly twice her age. Their relationship was scandalous, not only because of the age gap and DeLuca’s marital status, but also due to the couple’s rumored experimentation with drugs, pornography, and attempts at polyamorous relationships.
The Murders
On May 4, 1976, the Columbo home became the site of a triple homicide that shocked the nation. Patricia, then 19, and DeLuca, 39, brutally murdered her parents and 13-year-old brother. Her father Frank was shot in the head, her mother Mary was bludgeoned and stabbed, and her younger brother Michael was viciously attacked with a pair of scissors—stabbed more than 80 times.
The crime scene was gruesome and deliberate. Investigators noted that the violence appeared personal, not random. Suspicion soon turned toward Patricia, who initially denied any involvement but showed little emotion over the loss of her family.
The Trial and Conviction
During the investigation, police uncovered Patricia’s attempts to recruit others to murder her family months prior. Witnesses testified that she had tried to convince several people to kill her parents so she could collect an inheritance—an inheritance she had already been cut off from.
In 1977, both Patricia Columbo and Frank DeLuca were convicted of three counts of first-degree murder. Patricia received a sentence of 200 to 300 years in prison, while DeLuca received a similarly lengthy sentence. Prosecutors and jurors were stunned not only by the brutality of the murders but by Patricia’s chilling detachment throughout the trial.
Decades Behind Bars
Now in her late 60s, Patricia Columbo remains incarcerated at Logan Correctional Center in Illinois. She has applied for parole multiple times—and has been denied at every hearing. The parole board has repeatedly cited her lack of remorse, continued denial of guilt, and concerns about her psychological state. Former Elk Grove police officials, including those who investigated the original case, still appear at her hearings to oppose her release.
Her accomplice, Frank DeLuca, died in prison in January 2023 at the age of 84.
Frank Columbo (43)
Mary Columbo (41)
Michael Columbo (13)
