Victim's Family Speaks Out in Monroe County Pastor Murder Trial
By: Shannon Murphy
Updated: January 22, 2013
Stroudsburg, Monroe County - After weeks of testimony it took a jury just an hour and a half to convict a former Monroe County pastor of murder. Arthur Schirmer was found guilty for the beating death of his second wife Betty Jean.
He's been called the sinister minister and now he's a convicted murderer. Former Monroe County pastor Arthur Schirmer was found guilty of first degree murder Tuesday after nine days of testimony.
Sandy Weikel, Betty's sister says, "Justice was served for our sister."
Back in 2008, auhorities say Schirmer beat his second wife Betty to death, put her body in a car and staged an accident to make it look like Betty had sustained her injuries from the wreck. But the jury didn't buy it and neither did Betty's family, Betty's son Nate Novack said, "It was a very emotional day for my family. The list is too great but I want to thank everyone who helped bring my mom's killer to justice. She can finally rest in peace."
While Betty's family spoke out, family and friends of Arthur Schirmer left the courthouse tight lipped. Cindy Moyer, Schirmer's current fianc broke down when the verdict was read but said nothing as she left the courthouse. Many believe Schirmer's relationship with Cindy was one of the motives in this case. Defense attorney Brandon Reish, "It will take some time to sort things out and see what steps we need to take from here. He didn't do it."
But things are far from over for Arthur Schirmer. He will now face another trial in Lebanon County on charges he killed his first wife Jewel back in 1999. Schirmer says she fell down the stairs, while prosecutors believe this was yet another set up. Justice for one family as another prepares for trial.
Assistant District Attorney Michael Mancuso, "By no means does it bring either victim back. It's always an element of bitter sweetness."
Prior to the start of the trial, Schirmer's attorney put in a request to ban all the testimony related to Schirmer's first wife Jewel but the judge denied that request. He says that's what his appeal will be based on.
A first degree murder conviction has a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.
