In the early morning hours of September 25, 2017, a quiet home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, became the scene of a violent home invasion that ended in the tragic death of 54-year-old Joseph Blanco. Two men, Scott Kirchner II and Charles Holloway, forced their way into the Blanco residence with the intent to rob Joseph's son, Cory, who was known to be involved in drug dealing.
The situation inside the home quickly escalated. Joseph, his wife Trudy, and their young grandson were all present during the invasion. In the ensuing chaos, Scott Kirchner II, armed with a handgun, shot Joseph Blanco three times in the chest, killing him. Trudy Blanco was also shot in the hip but survived her injuries. Another family member in the home, Trudy's sister, was also injured during the incident. Their grandson, who was in the same room, was physically unharmed but witnessed the traumatic events.
Following the murder, an investigation led police to identify Kirchner and Holloway as the perpetrators. It was revealed that the two men had targeted the home believing there were drugs and cash on the premises due to Cory Blanco's activities. In the aftermath of the investigation into his father's death, Cory Blanco himself faced legal trouble, being charged with various drug-related offenses and child endangerment.
Both Scott Kirchner II and Charles Holloway were apprehended and faced justice for their roles in the deadly home invasion. Scott Kirchner II, the gunman, was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal conspiracy. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His accomplice, Charles Holloway, was also taken into custody at the scene of the crime. He too faced charges for his involvement in the events that led to Joseph Blanco's death.
