Nichole Pumphrey, a 31-year-old woman from New Castle, Pennsylvania, tragically passed away on October 15, 2018, in her residence. She was born on June 29, 1987, and was a homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her children and cooking their favorite meals. Nichole was of the Christian faith and attended beauty school, where she enjoyed styling hair and applying makeup for her friends.
The circumstances surrounding Nichole's death were part of a tragic triple homicide.
On the night of October 16, 2018, Nichole, her 10-year-old daughter Amariah Emery, and her boyfriend Lawrence Cannon were found shot to death in their home. The police investigation revealed that Steven Procopio, a 19-year-old acquaintance who had previously babysat for Nichole's children, was arrested and charged with the murders. Procopio confessed to being present at the scene but claimed he was not the one who pulled the trigger. Another suspect, Anthony Lavon Cooper Jr., was also implicated in the crime.
The case took a significant turn when charges against Jody Hammer, a 41-year-old woman initially charged with criminal homicide, robbery, and hindering apprehension, were dropped in April 2019. However, Procopio and Cooper remained charged with the murders. In December 2022, Steven Procopio was sentenced to two life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of Nichole, Amariah, and Lawrence Cannon.
The tragic loss of Nichole Pumphrey and her daughter deeply affected their family and community, leaving behind a legacy of love and memories. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the complexities and challenges of solving such a devastating crime.
