San Gabriel : Special Allegations Filed

Special allegations that could lead to the death penalty have been filed against Steven Ciotta, 25, who is accused of murdering the owner and another employee of the O & G Water Condition Co.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Elton Sims said he hopes to prove that Ciotta, a former employee of the company, committed the murders to cover up a forgery involving stolen company checks.

Ciotta is accused of slaying Otto Baumann, 78, the owner, and Fredrick Schaub, 58, and wounding Leo Blakeman, 74, on Dec. 22. Ciotta, who has been charged with multiple homicide and attempted homicide and robbery, will be arraigned Jan. 28 in Pasadena Municipal Court.