Pocono News Section

Colegrove Formally Sentenced to Life in Prison

Colegrove Formally Sentenced to Life in Prison - Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 6:18PM EST

TOWANDA, BRADFORD COUNTY - A man convicted of triple murder in Bradford County officially learned his fate Thursday morning. The sentence was not a surprise, but what was, is the fact that several jurors came back for the hearing.
Colegrove, 32, was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Colegrove was convicted of killing his father, mother and brother inside their Tuscarora Township home in 2007. The 32-year-old declined to comment before, during or after his sentencing. That silence may have hurt him according to some jurors.

"I would have loved to have heard something that he had to say, but he wouldn't say anything," Fred Travis, the former jury foreman said.

"I expected to hear a little more in court today than I did. I guess I was kind of disappointed," Leo Pollock, a former juror said.

Robert Colegrove, Steven's only surviving brother was on hand Thursday, but he didn't want to talk. He would only say it was a difficult day. Many family members wanted Colegrove to get the death penalty. Its a decision the jurors struggled with and eventually couldn't make unanimiously.

"My choice, would have been death, that's my choice," Travis said.

Friends of Steven Colegrove also attended the sentencing. Many have spoken to him since the trial. They say he's still upbeat and in good spirits. They vow to help clear his name. They're also thankful he doesn't have to die.

"I'm going to go through it and see if I can find a tiny piece of evidence to clear his name," Colegrove's friend Melissa Smith said.

"At least he's alive. He can be friends and help other people in there (prison) that need help," Colegrove's friend Evelyn Benjamin said.

Besides life in prison, Colegrove was also ordered to pay more than $33,000 in restitution. He will serve his sentence in a state prison.