On April 24, 2014, 43-year-old Jeffrey Evans was found shot to death in a hallway of his home in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania. His father, 73-year-old Ronald Evans, was also found dead on the rear deck of the residence, both victims having been shot multiple times. The investigation revealed that the killings were the result of a tumultuous relationship and jealousy.
The suspects in the case were 31-year-old James Roche and 39-year-old Holly Ann Crawford.
Roche was accused of pulling the trigger, while Crawford was alleged to have been an accomplice. Both were arrested and later charged with criminal homicide. Crawford had previously made headlines for animal cruelty, having been convicted of marketing "gothic" kittens with pierced ears and bobbed tails.
During the trial, it was revealed that Roche had a grudge against Ronald Evans due to his previous relationship with Crawford. The prosecution argued that the murders were premeditated and intentional, while the defense claimed that Roche acted in self-defense. Ultimately, both Roche and Crawford were found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They each received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The case brought a sense of closure to the victims' family, although it could never replace the loss they experienced. The community was left in shock by the brutal and senseless nature of the crime.
