WESTMORELAND, KS. — Dana Chandler has been found guilty of the 2002 murders of her ex-husband, Michael Sisco, and his fiancée, Karen Harkness. The verdict was reached after closing arguments were heard on Friday morning, and the jury deliberated into the afternoon. Chandler was convicted in the deaths of Sisco and Harkness, who were shot to death in the early morning hours of July 7, 2002, at Harkness’ home in Topeka, Kansas.
This marks the end of Chandler’s third trial in connection to the double homicide, which has remained a significant case over the past two decades. The trial, held in Pottawatomie County, lasted for about a month before the jury delivered its decision.
Upon hearing the guilty verdict, Chandler’s bond was revoked, and she was immediately taken into custody. A status conference for Chandler is scheduled for next Thursday at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the next steps in her sentencing.
Case Background
In the early morning of July 7, 2002, Michael Sisco and his fiancée Karen Harkness were shot to death in Harkness’ Topeka home. The case went unsolved for several years, but Chandler, Sisco’s ex-wife, became the prime suspect in the investigation. Over the years, multiple trials were held, with Chandler previously being convicted and later having those convictions overturned on appeal. This latest trial concluded with her guilty conviction.
Next Steps and Legal Proceedings
Following Chandler’s conviction, her legal team has the opportunity to appeal the decision. In the meantime, Chandler will remain in custody until her sentencing, which will take place at a later date.
The case has garnered significant attention over the years due to its long history and the dramatic twists and turns, including previous overturned convictions. As this chapter comes to a close, the families of the victims may finally find some measure of justice for the tragic deaths of Michael Sisco and Karen Harkness.