In January 2010, Amber Meidinger met Melvin Knight at a homeless shelter in Washington. Afterward, they moved around to different places before settling in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. It was in Greensburg that they crossed paths with Jennifer Daugherty. Melvin Knight had previously met Ricky Smyrnes during their time in jail. These individuals, along with Jennifer Daugherty, formed a group of six people:
Robert Loren Masters, Jr., aged 36
Ricky Smyrnes, aged 23
Melvin Knight, aged 20
Peggy Darlene Miller, aged 27
Amber Meidinger, aged 20
Angela Marinucci, aged 17
Melvin Knight had a difficult upbringing, born to a father struggling with drug addiction and who was incarcerated during his early years. He faced lifelong learning and social challenges after a serious childhood accident at the age of 5.
Angela Marinucci, born on July 14, 1992, suffered a head injury in 2008 when she was struck by a truck at the age of 15. This injury significantly impacted her behavior and led to a downward spiral that ultimately contributed to Jennifer Daugherty’s tragic d*ath. Experts testified that Marinucci had dealt with depression as a child and may have had issues with drugs and alcohol during her teenage years.
Amber Meidinger explained that Jennifer Daugherty trusted her because they knew each other from West Place, a center for people with special needs. Meidinger revealed that she and her then-boyfriend Melvin Knight met Ricky Smyrnes on February 8, 2010. Smyrnes had offered them a place to stay at his apartment in Greensburg when Meidinger was pregnant with Knight’s child.
Ricky Smyrnes, born on March 6, 1986, had a troubled childhood, coming from a family with addiction and violence issues. He experienced a series of foster homes and received treatment for mental health problems from a young age. He endured ab*se and neglect until he was taken in by the Smyrnes family at the age of 10. Smyrnes had a history of substance ab*se, was diagnosed with PTSD at a young age, and received extensive therapy. His lawyer also mentioned criminal activities from an early age, including burglary and se*ual as*ault in his past.
These background details shed light on the complex and challenging lives of the individuals involved in this tragic case.
To*ture
As per Meidinger’s testimony, the group rummaged through her bag and took money, gift cards, and her cell phone. They also poured liquids inside her bag, struck her head with soda bottles, cut her hair, and used nail polish to paint her face. In a distressing turn of events, they poured liquids and spices onto her head. Meidinger recounted that she and Angela Marinucci alternated in violently striking Daugherty using a metal towel rack and crutches. It’s deeply disturbing, but Meidinger also revealed that Knight subjected Daugherty to se*ual a*sault after forcibly rem0ving her clothes and gagging her.
M***** of Jennifer Daugherty
Police said Jennifer Daugherty was beaten with crutches.
The cruelty continued as they coerced Daugherty into consuming feces, urine, and detergent. Meidinger further shared that Knight led Daugherty to the living room, where Marinucci poured water over her head, and Knight and Smyrnes emptied oatmeal and spices onto her. This caused Daugherty significant discomfort, with her eyes feeling a burning sensation. Smyrnes instructed her to take a shower due to the odor.
According to Daugherty’s relatives, she possessed the cognitive abilities of a teenager, holding an inherent trust in people and considering the suspects as her “friends.” This tragic information provides insight into the heartbreaking vulnerability that was exploited in this case.
Mu*der
Jennifer Daugherty’s final words were a heartfelt note to her mother, expressing love and well wishes: “Mom, I hope you have a good day at work, and I love you very much. Love, Jennifer.”
M***** of Jennifer Daugherty
Police said Jennifer Daugherty was st*bbed with this knife
According to Robert Loren Masters’ testimony, he assisted Daugherty in retrieving her clothing that had been forcibly removed by Knight and Smyrnes on the first day of the beatings. However, before Daugherty could retrieve her clothes and escape, Knight and Smyrnes returned to the apartment at 428 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
This unfortunate turn of events led the group to make a chilling decision to end her life. Peggy Darlene Miller opted to bind her with Christmas lights, and they coerced her into writing a false su*cide note before fatally sta*bing her. Smyrnes handed Knight a steak knife, and Daugherty was sta*bed in her chest and throat.
Jennifer Daugherty
Police said Jennifer Daugherty was forced to write a su*cide note before she was k*lled.
Afterward, her lifeless body was concealed in a garbage can and discarded in the parking lot of Greensburg-Salem Middle School. Angela Marinucci informed law enforcement that Knight and Meidinger had drugged Daugherty prior to the sta*bing, adding another layer of horror to this tragic story.
Possible motives
Many people said that Marinucci had thought about K*lling Daugherty a few days before others started thinking about it. They also said that Marinucci heard her boyfriend, Smyrnes, talking to Daugherty and saying he loved her and wanted to marry her. When Smyrnes spoke in court, he talked about the complicated relationship between Daugherty, Marinucci, and himself.
Trial
At the beginning of the trial on November 3, 2010, the prosecution wanted to give the d*ath penalty to Smyrnes, Knight, and Meidinger. But now, as of August 1, 2019, only Knight and Smyrnes have been sentenced to d*ath.
Testimony
Some jail inmates told the court that Marinucci had planned to harm Daugherty a few days before her body was found. Neighbor Anthony Zappone heard Marinucci say, “I’m going to k*ll that woman.” He was also in jail for a different burglary charge. Tina Warrick testified that Marinucci expressed disappointment in the Christmas garland Miller bought, which was meant to tie up Daugherty and dispose of her body. Floria Headen reported hearing sounds of a struggle and screams on February 12, 2010. Felisha Hardison, who was Marinucci’s cellmate and friend, testified that Marinucci was excited to be on the news and was even jumping on her bed.
Masters and Meidinger entered into a plea deal to provide testimony.
Sentencing
Knight: On April 12, 2012, Knight admitted to first- and second-degree m*rder, kidn*pping, and conspiracy to commit m*rder and kidn*pping. A jury decided to give him the d*ath penalty on August 30, 2012. He appealed his sentence in September 2014, and after several delays, his sentence was upheld in March 2019. In November 2020, he attempted to appeal his sentence again, claiming jury bias, but this was unanimously rejected by the judges.
Marinucci: On August 3, 2011, Marinucci received a mandatory life sentence without parole for first-degree m*rder. She was 17 at the time of the crime and couldn’t receive the d*ath penalty due to her age. Her life sentence was initially revoked but later reinstated by a jury on July 1, 2015. In May 2022, she was resentenced to 60 years to life in prison with parole eligibility in 2070.
Meidinger: On December 4, 2013, Meidinger was sentenced to 40 to 80 years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree m*rder, kidn*pping, and conspiracy. She sought early release in November 2019.
Miller: Peggy Darlene Miller received a sentence of 35 to 74 years.
Smyrnes: On February 28, 2013, Smyrnes was sentenced to d*ath. He appealed his sentence, which was upheld by a judge in February 2017, but his execution was delayed in July 2017.
Masters: Masters pleaded guilty to third-degree m*rder, conspiracy to commit m*rder, and conspiracy to commit kidn*pping on December 19, 2013. He received a sentence of 30 to 70 years in prison after reaching a plea bargain. Masters didn’t publicly disclose details of this agreement.
Incarceration
Robert Loren Masters is currently incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution – Greene. Ricky Ven Smyrnes and Melvin Knight are held at the State Correctional Institution – Phoenix. Peggy Darlene Miller and Amber Meidinger are serving their sentences at the State Correctional Institution – Muncy. Angela Marinucci is imprisoned at the State Correctional Institution – Cambridge Springs.
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