Pocono News Section

Scher Receives Life in Prison

Scher Receives Life in Prison - Friday, March 14, 2008 at 6:43PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Mar 14, 2008 @06:43pm EST
MONTROSE, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY - Life in prison. That's the sentence for convicted killer Stephen Scher in Susquehanna County. After a two week trial, the 67-year-old was sentenced Friday morning for a second time.

Scher was convicted Thursday of killing his best friend Martin Dillon in 1976. The victim's family was in court Friday to hear the sentencing.

"Justice has been served. The day he was arrested by a couple of these guys (police officers) was justice," Jo Dillon, Martin Dillon's mother said.

On Thursday, Scher broke his silence after his trial wrapped-up, saying he was disappointed with the verdict. On Friday, the Dillon family brought a picture of Marty's father Larry, who was watching from above.

"I know he's smiling and so is Marty," Joann Reimel, Martin Dillon's sister, said.

"He (Scher) got what he deserved and it's the here-after that I'm worried about for him more than I am here," Dillon's friend Kendall Strawn said.

A lot of people in Susquehanna County have been watching the Scher case closely for the last two weeks. They all say they're just glad it's over for a second time.

Prosecutor Pat Blessington left Montrose without talking to the media, but he got everything he asked for. Besides life without parole, Judge William Henry also slapped Scher with a $50,000 fine, the most allowed by state law.

"It was great to hear. I'm sure I'm glad it's over. I'm glad the family doesn't have to go through this again," family friend Alan Bennett said.

Defense lawyers say they plan to appeal Thursday's verdict and they have 30 days to do so. Scher will begin serving his life sentence at the State Prison in Fayette County.