Lisa Snyder Receives Life Sentence Without Parole
Lisa Snyder, a Pennsylvania woman, has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for the 2019 murders of her two young children, Brinley (4) and Conner (8). The children were found hanging in the basement of their Albany Township home and were pronounced dead three days after being taken off life support. The horrific crime shocked the local community, and Snyder, 41, was convicted last month of first-degree murder.
No Remorse from Defendant During Sentencing
During her sentencing in Berks County, Snyder showed no reaction as President Judge Theresa Johnson delivered the sentence. Judge Johnson condemned the crime as the most violent murder she had seen during her career and noted that Snyder never displayed remorse for her actions. In addition to her life sentences, Snyder received 8 ½ to 17 more years for convictions of child endangerment and tampering with evidence.
Snyder declined to address the court during the proceedings.
Older Brother’s Heartfelt Statement
Owen Snyder, 22, the older brother of Brinley and Conner, expressed his grief during the sentencing, calling his mother a “monster” and lamenting the loss of his siblings. “If I could turn back time I would, just to hear their voices,” Owen said. He also spoke of the pain of knowing that his siblings will never have the chance to be an aunt and uncle to his newborn son, and he will never get to see the adults they would have become.
Prosecutors Reject Mother’s Defense Claims
Throughout the trial, Snyder attempted to claim that her son, Conner, had been bullied and had threatened to take his own life, but investigators found no evidence to support her allegations. Security footage from Conner’s school bus on the day of the incident showed no signs of distress, and an occupational therapist testified that Conner did not have the physical capability to hang himself and his younger sister.
Investigators also uncovered incriminating evidence in Snyder’s online searches, which included how to commit suicide and kill someone by hanging. She had also viewed crime documentaries, including episodes of I Almost Got Away With It, before the deaths occurred. A coroner ruled that both children died from hanging and classified the deaths as homicides.
Failed Defense Strategy and Plea Deal Rejection
Snyder’s defense team unsuccessfully sought an acquittal, arguing that the case was based on speculation and lacked concrete evidence. They also attempted to have Snyder plead no contest but mentally ill to third-degree murder, a plea deal that was ultimately rejected by the judge.
