A Lancaster Township man was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder regarding the brutal stabbing of wife and mother of their children.
Lancaster County President Judge Dennis Reinaker returned the verdict at 11:30 a.m., following 2½ days of testimony in the non-jury trial.
Carrington Joseph will serve a mandatory life sentence, in accordance with state law, when Reinaker formally orders sentence.
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First Assistant District Attorney Christopher Larsen, and his second-chair, Assistant District Attorney Travis Anderson, asked the judge for that verdict regarding the May 2 death of 27-year-old Melissa Joseph.
Joseph repeatedly stabbed the woman, following an argument over finances, with their infant twins inside 511 Sterling Place.
Opening statements were Monday morning before police and Melissa Joseph’s sister took the stand. Testimony stalled for a few hours that day, due to a brawl in the courtroom. A spectator was held in contempt of court.
Manheim Township police Detective Brian Freysz charged Joseph.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright