Elizabethtown, PA – A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, who suffered extensive injuries during a prolonged assault. Christopher Alexander Mello, 43, received the sentence from Lancaster County Judge David L. Ashworth after pleading guilty to first-degree murder.
Mello’s wife, 39-year-old Alexandria Reynolds, was violently attacked in their home over a 24-hour period starting September 29, 2021. The court heard that Mello inflicted injuries that left Reynolds with over 100 bruises and multiple broken bones.
The brutal nature of the attack emerged during the proceedings, where prosecutors described the assault as a “24-hour beating.” An eyewitness testified to the violence, illustrating the severity of Mello’s actions.
Mello and Reynolds were residing in the 300 block of West High Street in Elizabethtown at the time of the incident. On the night of September 30, Mello’s father called 911, expressing concern for his son and mentioning the victim’s death.
When emergency responders arrived, they discovered Reynolds’ body in a bathtub, with signs of blood and physical damage in the bathroom. Police quickly identified Mello as the prime suspect.
During an interrogation, Mello admitted to physically assaulting Reynolds, stating that he punched her and kicked her while she was on the ground. He confessed to the violence that occurred the night before her death.
Judge Ashworth called the events “horrific” and noted that no punishment could reverse the harm done. While Mello’s attorney claimed he felt remorse, Mello declined to address the court.
In addition to his life sentence, Mello was ordered to pay $4,500 in restitution to Reynolds’ family.
