Antoinette Toni Lynn Wilkinson, a 46-year-old woman from Freeland, Pennsylvania, tragically died on January 28, 2018. She was found dead inside her home on Spring Street in Foster Township, suffering from physical head injuries and multiple gunshot wounds. The Luzerne County Coroner’s Office ruled her death a homicide.
Joseph John Marchetti Jr., Wilkinson's boyfriend, was charged with two counts of criminal homicide and one count of aggravated assault in connection with her death. According to reports, Marchetti shot Wilkinson multiple times with a .22 caliber rifle and also beat her with a blunt object. After killing Wilkinson, he severely beat her mother, Barbara Wilkinson, who survived the attack. Marchetti later pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and attempted murder, receiving a sentence of 35 to 80 years in prison.
The case shocked the quiet community of Freeland, where neighbors described Wilkinson as a friendly and well-liked person. The investigation revealed that Marchetti had been struggling with alcohol abuse, depression, and anxiety, but this did not excuse his violent actions. The Wilkinson family has expressed their grief and anger over the loss of Toni Lynn and the brutal attack on her mother.
The tragic events have left a lasting impact on the community and the Wilkinson family, who continue to seek justice and closure for Toni Lynn's untimely death.
