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Murder

Father Sentenced to Life in Prison for Torturing and Starving 12-Year-Old Son

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pennsylvania resident Scott Schollenberger Jr., 43, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in torturing and starving his 12-year-old son, Maxwell. The horrific abuse resulted in Maxwell's death in 2020, with the coroner concluding that he died from dehydration, malnutrition, and head trauma. The case comes to an end with Schollenberger's guilty plea, while his fiancée, Kimberly Maurer, 36, is set to stand trial next month for her alleged involvement in the abuse.

Key Takeaways:

  • Scott Schollenberger Jr. pleaded guilty to charges of homicide, endangering the welfare of a child, and conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child.
  • He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, with a minimum prison sentence of 25 years for other convictions.
  • The 12-year-old victim, Maxwell, weighed only 47.5 pounds at the time of his death and had not received medical care in over 10 years.
  • The authorities discovered that the victim's room had metal hooks to lock him in, no light, and minimal furniture besides the bed where he died.
  • Maxwell's mother, Sara Coon, has filed a lawsuit against Schollenberger, his fiancée, and Children and Youth Services for failing to investigate repeated complaints of child abuse.
  • The victim's siblings, who lived with the couple, appeared to be healthy, well-adjusted, and well-cared for, receiving regular medical care and attending school.

Statistics:

  • The victim, Maxwell, weighed 47.5 pounds at the time of his death.
  • The authorities discovered that Maxwell had not received medical care in over 10 years.
  • The case dates back to May 26, 2020, when Maxwell's body was found in his bedroom.
  • Scott Schollenberger Jr. was charged with homicide, endangering the welfare of a child, and conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child.
  • His fiancée, Kimberly Maurer, 36, is currently in prison and set to stand trial next month for her alleged involvement in the abuse.

Sources:

  • Lebanon Daily News (2020)
  • Penn Live (2020)
  • Lebanon County District Attorney's office (2020)
  • Getty Images (representative images, no specific date)

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