When friends and family of 35-year-old Christina Powell couldn’t get a hold of her Friday, they grew worried and called police. That’s when a quiet neighborhood became the focus of a double homicide investigation.
Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 4185 Lisi Lane to check on Powell. When they forced their way into the locked home, they discovered two bodies. Powell was found dead in the basement. Authorities said she appears to have been strangled. They also found the body of one of her friends, 24-year-old Mario Masciarelli, on the second floor of the home. Sheriff Harder said he appears to have died due to head injuries from a blunt object.
Multiple police agencies across the area are actively searching for Christina’s estranged husband, 39-year-old Aaron Powell. He and Christina Powell were separated and he lived at a different address. They said he may be driving a black GMC Denali SUV, license plate GDU-3346. That vehicle does not have a front license plate.
Investigators said they don’t have a motive for either murder right now, but that Aaron Powell does have a criminal record.
Aaron and Christina Powell’s five-year-old son was not home at the time and is being watched by family members, as are Aaron Powell’s two other children. Harder is now urging Powell to turn himself in, and hopefully provide some answers in this case.
Once again, anyone with information is being asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office by calling (607) 778-1189. All calls will be kept confidential.
