WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — A former police officer and his stepmother were sentenced to prison Thursday for their alleged involvement in the 2011 murder of a 92-year-old Coal Center woman.
David James McClelland was convicted of second-degree murder in April for the death of Evelyn Stepko, and was given a life-sentence without parole Thursday.
The judge told him he had a duty to serve and protect, but instead he profited from the crimes committed.
McClelland’s father, David Allan McClelland, allegedly stole about $215,000 from Stepko over a two-year span before her murder.
He previously pleaded guilty to robbing and killing Stepko in her Coal Center home, and was sentenced in October to life in prison without parole.
David Allan McClelland’s wife, Diane McClelland, was told Thursday she will spend up to 29 years in prison for conspiracy in the July 2011 killing.
Diane McClelland passed out in court Thursday after apologizing to the Stepko family and was treated by paramedics.
After the sentencing, Stepko’s family told Channel 11’s Cara Sapida they were headed to Stepko’s grave to let her know she can finally rest in peace.