Two Charged After Delaware Man Is Tortured and Robbed in Elkton

November 5, 2026 — Deputies responding to a home in Elkton found the 81-year-old man naked and injured in the front yard. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and later released, authorities said.

Investigators allege Taylor Falcone, 31, lured the man to the house, where Austin Maniscalco, 28, tied him to a chair, punched him and held a knife to his throat. The man was forced to remove his clothes, and hot syrup was poured on him, causing burns. Authorities said the assault was intended to make him reveal the combination to a safe at his home in Delaware. Maniscalco allegedly wrote the combination on the victim’s forehead and marked his chest while threatening further violence.

Authorities said Maniscalco took about $80, jewelry and keys to several vehicles. The victim escaped after Maniscalco fell asleep. Deputies took Maniscalco into custody after a brief standoff and recovered the stolen property during a search, investigators said. Falcone was arrested after returning to the scene.

Both face robbery, assault and related charges; Maniscalco also faces false imprisonment charges. The two are being held without bail.