Dana Chandler Sentenced Life Prison For 2002 Double Murder

Dana Chandler was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years for the 2002 murders of her ex-husband Michael Sisco and his fiancée Karen Harkness. Chandler was convicted in her third trial after previous convictions were overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct and a hung jury in earlier trials. The murders involved multiple gunshot wounds with a 9mm firearm in Harkness' Topeka home. Chandler has consistently denied involvement, maintaining her innocence throughout the legal proceedings, including during her self-representation at the latest trial. Victim impact statements highlighted the deep emotional toll on the families, describing Chandler as manipulative and deceitful, and called for the maximum sentence. Judge Cheryl Rios imposed the sentence following a jury guilty verdict, marking the end of a prolonged and highly publicized legal battle.