Man Convicted in 2001 Machete Attack at Pennsylvania Elementary School Dies in Prison at 78: Pennsylvania State Police Investigating
His demise prompts an investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, highlighting their crucial role in apprehending and ensuring justice for Stankewicz’s violent actions and subsequent lengthy prison sentence. (Photo: nydailynews)
Pennsylvania State Police Investigate Death of Convicted Perpetrator in 2001 Elementary School Machete Attack
According to source, William Stankewicz, the man convicted of a machete attack at North Hopewell-Winterstown Elementary School in Pennsylvania in 2001, has died in prison at the age of 78. Stankewicz injured 14 people during the attack, which occurred on Feb. 2, 2001, at the elementary school near York. He was found unresponsive in his cell at the State Correctional Institution at Dallas on Monday, prompting an investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Stankewicz had been serving a 132- to 264-year sentence for a criminal homicide conviction from York County since May 2012.The attack left 14 individuals injured, including 11 kindergarten students. Principal Norina Bentzel, who suffered severe cuts and a broken arm while subduing Stankewicz, was the most seriously hurt. Stankewicz, in court, revealed that he committed the attack due to anger over his divorce from his Russian-born ex-wife and her allegations that he molested her daughters.
He claimed that she used him to gain entry to the United States and then made false allegations to stay in the country. The investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police played a crucial role in apprehending Stankewicz and ensuring justice for the victims.
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Pennsylvania State Police Integral in Arrest and Conviction of 2001 School Machete Attacker
Stankewicz, originally from Johnson City Tennessee chose the elementary school as a target because he couldn’t locate his ex-wife’s home.The Pennsylvania State Police were involved in arresting Stankewicz, and they actively participated in the legal proceedings that led to his lengthy prison sentence. Following the incident, Stankewicz faced the consequences of his violent actions and the Pennsylvania State Police continued to monitor his incarceration.
The attack and subsequent conviction were significant events in 2001, underscoring the importance of law enforcement agencies like the Pennsylvania State Police in maintaining public safety and upholding justice.
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