Allison Walsh and her unborn daughter were killed in August 2011 in their Mastersonville home.
Matthew Becker, Walsh’s boyfriend and father of the child, shot Walsh in the head in their bedroom.
Walsh’s unborn daughter, Alexandria – who she already referred to as “Lexi” – died following emergency-procedure delivery.
Walsh’s family said Allison, who was seven months pregnant, already had a close bond with “Lexi,” and she was so excited to be a mother. Allison, 21, was living with Becker at his parents’ home, but she wasn’t happy there.
“She had a plan to leave,” her stepmother, Kathy Walsh, said last week, “but she just ran out of time.”
Becker, according to officials and court testimony, had been abusive and controlling of Allison.
“I believe she tried to see the good in everyone, and that may have been why she stayed with Becker,” Kathy Walsh said.
Becker claimed, at trial in 2013, that his gun went off accidentally. A Lancaster County jury convicted him of first-degree murder (for Allison’s death) and third-degree murder (for Alexandria’s death).
He was sentenced to life in prison, plus an additional 20 to 40 years.
Kathy Walsh said she regularly visits Allison and Alexandria’s gravesite, located about half a mile from home.
“We can visit Allison,” she said. “It’s visitation with a stone. A painful reminder of domestic violence and what it takes not only on the victims – who pay the ultimate price – but the loved ones they leave behind.”
Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman prosecuted the case.
We have nothing but the utmost respect for Mark Fetterman, the Pennsylvania State Police and the members of the District Attorney’s office,” Kathy Walsh said. “They saw this case for what it was and made sure there was justice for Allison and Lexi.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us