Talking cats, rambling letters: Woman found mentally incompetent in Summit Twp. killing

Marisa J. Rodriguez, 35, is charged in fatal shooting of Michael Maisner, 66, whose remains were burned and body never found. She has schizophrenia and has been ordered to get mental health treatment.

Erie Times-News

  • Family of Michael Maisner reported to police in April 2023 that they had not heard from him in weeks
  • Maisner’s body was never been found, but he was declared legally dead and woman he was living with, Marisa J. Rodriguez, has been charged with killing him, disposing of body
  • Rodriguez, with history of mental illness, has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial

The letters, more than a dozen in all, appear to be evidence of mental instability.

The writer is Marisa J. Rodriguez, 35, accused of fatally shooting 66-year-old Summit Township resident Michael Maisner in the spring of 2023, when they lived together.

Rodriguez has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and says cats talk, according to court records.

The Pennsylvania State Police surmise that Rodriguez disposed of Maisner’s body in a makeshift fire pit behind the garage of his house.

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