Fernanders Pleas Guilty, Given Two Life Sentences without Parole
MIDDLEBURG – A Paxinos man, accused of killing two people outside Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Snyder County, has pleaded guilty. 55-year-old Christopher Fernanders entered the plea agreement Thursday in Snyder County Court and was given two life sentences without parole.
Snyder County District Attorney Mike Piecuch was seeking the death penalty against Fernanders, but as part of the plea agreement, the death penalty was dropped. Charges other than two murder charges were also dropped as part of the agreement. Fernanders must also pay over $8,000 in restitution.
Fernanders had been charged for killing his estranged ex-wife, 46-year-old Heather Campbell of Trevorton, and 52-year-old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg, in July of 2020. Fernanders was asked if he committed the crimes and he said, “Yes.”
Judge Michael Sholley presided and said Fernanders put a tracking device on Campbell’s car and committed the crimes with “malice aforethought.” The defendant, when asked about medical conditions by the judge, said he suffers from PTSD and is taking medication.
Fernanders’ father, Odell Jackson, through tears, told the Bowersox and Campbell families, “We are so sorry for your pain.” David Campbell, Heather’s brother, thanked everyone who worked on the case, those who went to the crime scene to assist—first responders and law enforcement. He said Mr Jackson’s words were “heartfelt.”
Dane Bowersox, brother of Matthew, said, “This is the culmination of a nightmare and there will never be full closure for Mom and Dad.”
