Watch CBS News

Montgomery County Man Sentenced In Murder Of Parents, Brother

By Brad Segall

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Montgomery County judge has sentenced a 27-year-old Upper Merion man to three consecutive life sentences for the brutal murders of his parents and twin brother with a sword inside their Gulph Mills home more than three years ago.

Joseph McAndrew Jr. told the court he was sorry for what happened and that he misses his family very much. He also told the judge he regrets what the voices told him to do. McAndrew was found guilty, but mentally ill in August of three counts of first degree murder. He will receive psychiatric treatment and undergo periodic evaluations.

"He snuffed out the lives of three people who were all wonderful people that were having great impacts in their community and that's the tragedy of what occurred here," said Prosecutor Kevin Steele.

Defense attorney Paul Bauer says it's clear that his client needs treatment. Throughout the case he's maintained that he would hear the sounds of an owl and a crow that would tell him what to do. Steele argued for the consecutive sentences so the murders of each family member would not be diminished.

Must Read Today's Top Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.