Elizabethtown man sentenced to life for 2021 beating death of his wife
ELIZABETHTOWN, PA — A 43-year-old Elizabethtown man will spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the 2021 beating death of his wife, a crime prosecutors described as one of extreme and prolonged brutality.
Christopher Alexander Mello entered the plea on Thursday before Lancaster County Judge David Ashworth, who imposed the mandatory sentence of life without parole. Mello admitted to repeatedly striking and kicking his wife, 39-year-old Alexandria Reynolds, during an assault that unfolded over nearly 24 hours at their home in the 300 block of West High Street on September 30, 2021.
Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick told the court that Reynolds sustained more than 100 bruises and multiple broken bones, including fractures to her nose, jaw, neck, and orbital socket. She also suffered extensive internal injuries, including a severed artery in her brain. Police found Reynolds deceased in a bathtub with blood visible on the walls and damage consistent with violent impacts throughout the home.
In court, Haverstick recounted the evidence as Reynolds’ parents wept in the gallery. “It’s clear that she suffered a great deal,” he said, adding that he hoped Mello would reflect on his actions for the remainder of his life. Mello’s attorney said his client was remorseful, though Mello declined to address the court when given the opportunity.
Judge Ashworth told Mello that nothing could undo the “horror” of his actions but expressed hope that he would confront his anger issues during incarceration. The court also ordered Mello to pay $4,500 in restitution to Reynolds’ family. Elizabethtown Borough Police Officer Matthew Shuey filed the original charges.
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Key Points
- Christopher Mello, 43, sentenced to life in prison for killing wife in 2021
- Alexandria Reynolds died after sustaining extensive blunt-force injuries during a prolonged assault
- Judge David Ashworth imposed mandatory life sentence and $4,500 restitution to victim’s family