- Indiana man sentenced to 120 years for killing ex-wife and teen son.
- Victims buried in shallow graves near Bear Run Mine.
- Confession: “I just put my hands around her neck and wouldn’t let go.”
- Plea deal led to other charges being dropped.
An Indiana father who admitted to the brutal killings of his ex-wife and teenage son has been sentenced to 120 years in prison after a Greene County judge described his actions as “deliberate and inhuman.”
Joshua Penick, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of murder for strangling his ex-wife Samantha Jerrell, 36, and their 14-year-old son, Colton, in October 2024. He buried both victims in shallow graves near the Bear Run Mine in Sullivan County, about 100 miles southwest of Indianapolis.
The case gripped the state after the victims were reported missing when they failed to show up for school and work. On October 17, 2024, investigators using cadaver dogs discovered their bodies near the coal mine, four days after they were last seen.
When confronted by police, Penick reportedly confessed to the killings in chilling detail.
“I just put my hands around her neck and wouldn’t let go and buried them in the same grave,” he told investigators, according to WTWO.
Court documents revealed that Penick had a history of violent behavior toward the victims. Shortly after the murders, he allegedly called his father, saying, “S— went south, and I can’t talk about it on the phone.” He also left a handwritten letter expressing guilt and despair.
“Sorry I don’t know what is wrong with me and you all deserve better,” the letter read. “Let go it’s okay now. Breathe, live, love, laugh, prosper.”
During sentencing, Judge Erik C. Allen said the methodical nature of both killings showed Penick’s intent and awareness.
“The time it took to strangle the life out of his 14-year-old son gave him time to reflect and stop before killing him,” Allen wrote. “It was at a later time that he killed Samantha, again with his hands, which also gave him time to stop before doing it.”
Allen imposed two consecutive 60-year sentences, meaning Penick will serve them back-to-back. The court also credited him with 348 days of time served.
Prosecutors dropped additional charges including obstruction of justice, resisting law enforcement, and battery against a public safety officer as part of Penick’s plea agreement.
Friends and family of the victims expressed grief and relief following the sentencing, saying they hoped the outcome brings “a measure of justice” after months of anguish.
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