Mother Pleads Guilty to AACo. Love Triangle Murder

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Ann Anastasi  pleaded guilty Wednesday to murdering her husband and Jacqueline Riggs, his live-in mistress, as well as the use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence.

Anastasi, her 13-year-old daughter, and the girl's 18-year-old boyfriend, Gabriel Struss were connected to the double murder in October 2015.

Police found 40-year-old Anthony Anastasi Jr. gunned down in his home along West Bay Front Road in the quiet Lothian community and 25-year-old Jacqueline Riggers stabbed to death.

"Once our homicide detectives were on scene, they immediately knew something was off, something wasn't right," said Anne Arundel County police.

Investigators say Anastasi Jr., his wife, Ann Marie, and Jacqueline all lived in the house together. Charging documents show the three, historically, were all sexual partners.

Documents add the husband and wife's marriage was fraught with conflict and domestic abuse and that Anastasi Jr. and Riggs were still in a relationship, but he and his wife were not.

Ann Anastasi told police her husband committed suicide, but a gun near his body didn't match evidence on scene.

"Mrs. Anastasi provided the initial false report," said Wes Adams, Anne Arundel County State's Attorney.

Police say Mrs. Anastasi and her daughter plotted the killing and had the teen's boyfriend carry it out.

"He's never done nothing, as I know of. Never. He's been manipulated into doing this," said Struss' grandfather.

Struss' family spoke out.

"I know he hung out with that girl a couple of times. He's a teenager. He did what kids do," his brother said.

All three suspects were charged with first-degree murder and other charges.

Anastasi was denied bail Friday. Her 13-year-old daughter remains in a juvenile facility.

Anastasi faces a maximum of 60 years in prison.

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