Monessen man charged with drug delivery resulting in death of Jennifer Vukovich

A Monessen man is accused by state police of connecting a Youngwood woman to a dose of drugs last year that proved to be fatal.

Troopers said James M. Cillo Jr., 31, met with Jennifer Vukovich on March 3, 2023, and the pair went to a location in Monessen where Vukovich provided Cillo with $70 to buy drugs for her, according to court papers. Vukovich, 36, was found unresponsive in her apartment the following day and died March 9, 2023.

Her mother previously told the Trib that she donated her lungs and both kidneys, saving three people’s lives. Anna Vukovich said Monday she got a heads up from investigators that Cillo would be arrested.

“I don’t know what I want for him,” she said. “I do know that it’s bittersweet and his actions deprived us of a beautiful life.”

In court papers, police said Vukovich and Cillo communicated by text message on March 3, 2023. Cillo bought 10 stamp bags of drugs with Vukovich’s money and was given $30 for his role, troopers said.

Investigators reported finding stamp bags in Vukovich’s apartment. On her cellphone was a message from Cillo warning of the drug’s strength and to “be careful bc I don’t need another body on me,” according to court papers.

Cillo was arrested last week on charges of drug delivery resulting in death and drug and paraphernalia possession. He was released Monday from Westmoreland County Prison after posting $15,000 bail, according to online court records.

He did not have an attorney listed and could not be reached for comment. A preliminary hearing is set for Friday.

An autopsy showed Vukovich had fentanyl and xylazine in her system. She struggled with a drug addiction for about a decade before being in recovery for a couple of years before her death, her mother previously told the Trib. During her recent sobriety, she often helped with awareness speaking events and activities. She inspired professors at Westmoreland County Community College to help students moving forward from a criminal background — The Advocacy Center opened just days after her death to assist students with overcoming those hurdles in pursuit of a career.

Vukovich earned an associate degree in social work from the college in 2022 and was pursuing a bachelor’s degree while working as a care navigator in Monessen. Anna Vukovich said Cillo was a client with whom her daughter was working.

Staff writer Quincey Reese contributed to this report.