Current:Home > ScamsDefense calls Pennsylvania prosecutors’ case against woman in 2019 deaths of 2 children ‘conjecture’ -Nova Finance Academy
Defense calls Pennsylvania prosecutors’ case against woman in 2019 deaths of 2 children ‘conjecture’
View
Date:2025-04-17 22:07:04
READING, Pa. (AP) — A defense attorney has dismissed as “conjecture” the prosecution’s case against a Pennsylvania woman charged with killing her two young children, who were found hanging in the basement of their home five years ago.
Lisa Snyder, 41, is charged with first- and second-degree murder, child endangerment and evidence-tampering in the September 2019 deaths of 4-year-old Brinley and 8-year-old Conner, who were taken off life support and died three days after they were found in the home in Albany Township, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia.
After Berks County prosecutors rested their case late Friday morning, defense attorney Dennis Charles unsuccessfully sought an immediate acquittal, calling the case based on speculation and theory and “all guesswork,” The Reading Eagle reported.
Snyder had told police her son was bullied and had threatened to take his life, but authorities said they found no evidence to support her claim. The boy displayed no signs of trouble that day on a school bus security video. An occupational therapist later said he wasn’t physically capable of causing that kind of harm to himself or his little sister.
Police also cited the defendant’s online searches for information about suicide, death by hanging and how to kill someone as well as episodes of a documentary crime series called “I Almost Got Away With It.” Snyder also admitted going to a store to buy a dog lead on the day the children were found hanging from it, authorities said.
Charles said internet searches on suicide, hangings, carbon monoxide poisoning and drug overdoses indicated suicidal thoughts on her part rather than an intention to kill her children. He also said prosecutors lacked physical evidence to support their case, and a recording of Snyder’s 911 call and descriptions of her by emergency responders were consistent with what one would expect from a mother finding her children hanging.
“All you have is conjecture,” Charles said. Defense attorneys have also argued that if Snyder is determined to have killed her children, they planned to argue that she was insane and unable to tell right from wrong when she did so.
A judge last year rejected a plea agreement under which Snyder would have pleaded no contest but mentally ill to two counts of third-degree murder. Prosecutors earlier indicated an intention to seek the death penalty.
veryGood! (8723)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- In his 1st interview, friend who warned officials of Maine shooter says ‘I literally spelled it out’
- Africa’s Catholic hierarchy refuses same-sex blessings, says such unions are contrary to God’s will
- A non-traditional candidate resonates with Taiwan’s youth ahead of Saturday’s presidential election
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- See Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in first trailer for biopic 'Back to Black'
- Tacoma bagel shop owner killed in attempted robbery while vacationing in New Orleans
- Nick Saban retiring as Alabama football coach
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Intimidated by Strength Training? Here's How I Got Over My Fear of the Weight Room
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Blinken sees a path to Gaza peace, reconstruction and regional security after his Mideast tour
- Study: Bottled water can contain up to 100 times more nanoplastic than previously believed
- These Best Dressed Stars at the Emmys Deserve a Standing Ovation for Their Award-Worthy Style
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Peeps unveils new flavors for Easter 2024, including Icee Blue Raspberry and Rice Krispies
- Trial of woman charged in alleged coverup of Jennifer Dulos killing begins in Connecticut
- Gov. Brian Kemp seeks to draw political contrasts in his State of the State speech
Recommendation
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
Taxes after divorce can get . . . messy. Here are seven tax tips for the newly unmarried
Prisoners’ bodies returned to families without heart, other organs, lawsuit alleges
Missouri dad knew his teen son was having sex with teacher, official say. Now he's charged.
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
Jennifer Lawrence recalls 'stressful' wedding, asking Robert De Niro to 'go home'
Lululemon Just Dropped These Shiny & Jewel-Toned Items to We Made Too Much, Starting at $24
27 Rental Friendly Décor Hacks That Will Help You Get Your Deposit Back