Johnstown couple accused of attacking local cancer patient, resulting in brain bleeding

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — Cambria County authorities say a Johnstown-area couple is facing charges accused of “brutal” attacking a local cancer patient in her home and causing her to bleed on the brain.

Johnstown police say 47-year-old Gary Joe Yuhas and his girlfriend, 32-year-old Julia Houska, broke into the victim’s Church Avenue home over the weekend and began attacking her in her bedroom.

According to the affidavit, police allege that during the first attack, the pair took the woman’s phone and “smashed it” on the ground.

Police say the victim told officers that after the first attack, the couple returned to her home and began attacking her again.

Investigators say the woman later explained to officers that she was a cancer patient and stated that she was trying to defend herself during the attack.

Authorities say the victim was taken to Conemaugh Hospital by a nearby resident, where he was treated for several bruises, cuts and lumps on his head and face.

Through further investigation, police learned that the victim’s medical records showed that he also suffered visible bleeding on the brain as a result of the assault.

According to court records onlineboth Yuhas and Houska will be charged with aggravated assault, robbery and theft.

Houska is in the Cambria County Jail, on $150,000 bailwhile Yuhas is still awaiting arraignment.