Donachy gets life for woman's murder

Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The man convicted of murdering a St. Marys hairdresser in 1999 will spend the rest of his life in prison.Lawrence Early Donachy Jr., 36, St. Marys, was found guilty in October of murdering Irene Challingsworth.Elk County Judge Richard Masson sentenced Donachy to life in prison without parole Monday for second-degree murder. Donachy was also found guilty of rape, aggravated assault and burglary. The sentences for those offenses were merged into the sentence for murder.A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and a sexual offenders assessment was done. Donachy was not found to be a sexually violent predator.He must pay $28,0721.25 for costs of prosecution, $3,648.55 to the Victim's Compensation program and $641.30 to Erie Insurance in restitution.Family members made heartfelt statements about how the death of Challingsworth has affected them.Kelly J. Bauer, St. Marys, a daughter of Challingsworth's, said Challingsworth was a mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, friend and had many people who cared deeply about her."Every day we ask why," Bauer said.Bauer said she isn't able to see her mom, talk to her and watch as she plays with her grandchildren....READ MORE HERE