Lisa Snyder, 41, has been found guilty of the brutal murders of her two sons, who were discovered hanging in the basement of their Albany Township, Pennsylvania, home five years ago. Snyder was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her 8-year-old son Conner and 4-year-old daughter Brinley. Both children were taken off life support three days after being found unconscious, he said. WFMZ.
The conviction carries an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole. Snyder had initially claimed that his bullied son had threatened to kill himself, but investigators found no evidence to support his story. School bus surveillance footage from the day of the incident showed no signs of distress in the boy, and an occupational therapist testified that Conner was not physically capable of causing such harm to himself or his younger sister.
More damning evidence came from Snyder’s online search history, which included disturbing queries like “how to kill someone,” “death by hanging,” and episodes of a crime documentary titled I almost got away with it. The researchers also searches found related to suicidal methods.
The coroner confirmed that both children had died by hanging and ruled their deaths homicides. Despite overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defense sought acquittal, claiming the case was based on speculation and “conjecture.”
ABC 6 reported Snyder had waived his right to a jury trial and opted for a bench trial. On Tuesday, after just an hour of deliberation, Judge Theresa Johnson, president of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas, found her guilty of the murders. In addition to the murder charges, Snyder was convicted of child endangerment and tampering with evidence.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 17, and Snyder faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Snyder had previously attempted to plead no contest but mentally ill to two counts of third-degree murder. However, Judge Johnson rejected the plea deal last year, saying it did not “serve the interests of justice.”
The conviction brings an end to a tragic case, as Snyder now faces the consequences of his actions. The community remains shocked by the horrific events, and the sentencing will mark the final chapter in a heartbreaking case of violence and loss.
