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A Lancaster County jury has found Jere Bagenstose guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the case of his wife, Maryann Bagenstose, who disappeared in June 1984. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday (April 8) after a six-day trial and about four and a half hours of jury deliberation. Bagenstose, now 70, was convicted based on evidence that included a note in Maryann's handwriting and his inconsistent statements over the years.
Maryann, who was 25 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen at their home in Pequea Township, Pennsylvania. Her body was never found, but the prosecution demonstrated that she had not contacted family or friends, and there was no activity on her financial accounts or social security number since she vanished. The case was built on evidence suggesting Bagenstose's motive, which included facing a divorce that could have resulted in losing his home and custody of their child. Prosecutors also highlighted a grave-shaped hole Bagenstose dug in his garage and his failure to report Maryann's disappearance.
District Attorney Heather Adams praised the jury's decision, stating, "This verdict is a credit to everyone who worked on this case from day one in 1984 to now." Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman emphasized that the case was about seeking justice for Maryann, not a "trophy" for the prosecution. Bagenstose's sentencing will follow a pre-sentence investigation, and discussions are ongoing regarding his bail, as the prosecution considers him a flight risk.