SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, PA – A Pennsylvania woman faces a series of serious charges, including first-degree murder, after authorities accused her of fatally shooting a man, dismembering his body with a chainsaw, and attempting to incinerate his remains in a backyard firepit.
Marisa Rodriguez, 36, has been charged with the murder of 66-year-old Michael Maisner, whose remains were discovered at his Summit Township residence. Rodriguez was deemed mentally fit for trial on September 9, according to court records.
The situation came to light on April 12 when Maisner’s family members, concerned after not hearing from him since March 27, visited his home on Crestview Drive. They found Rodriguez hiding in the attic, but there was no sign of Maisner.
Police conducted a welfare check on the property the following day, uncovering a scene that included a missing carpet section, potential human tissue, blood splatter, and bleach-stained clothing. Disturbing writings were also found on the walls of the home, authorities said.
Investigators discovered an eyeglass frame, a picture frame, carpet foam, charred remains, and burned human bones in a firepit on the property. DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Maisner.
Rodriguez allegedly used Maisner’s Cadillac STX to travel to New York, where police later found her. Initially held on car theft charges, she was extradited back to Pennsylvania to face the murder charges. Rodriguez reportedly told police she had been living in Maisner’s attic for up to three months but denied knowing how he died.
Adam Maisner, the victim’s nephew, shared that his uncle had allowed Rodriguez to stay with him, intending for her to help around the house. “He was just a laid-back guy,” Adam Maisner said. “He was waiting to get his hips replaced and dreamed of golfing and riding his motorcycle afterward.”
Authorities traced Rodriguez through her online searches, which included disturbing phrases such as “how to shoot someone,” “how long does it take to burn a dead body,” and “cutting a dead body with a chain saw.” They also found videos and photos on her account showing Maisner’s bank PIN, a .357 revolver, and images of Maisner’s lifeless body.
During a preliminary hearing in August 2023, Rodriguez reportedly interrupted proceedings to confess, stating, “Well, I’m guilty” and later adding, “Then I cut him up.”
Rodriguez’s mental health has been a significant aspect of the case. Initially, in January, she was found incompetent to stand trial, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia. In custody, she wrote disjointed letters to her lawyer and made references to the Bible and conversations with cats, indicating ongoing mental health struggles.
