Timothy Verrill sentenced to 'life in prison' for murder of 2 women. Families share pain

DOVER — Timothy Verrill was effectively sentenced to life in prison Friday for two counts of second-degree murder in the killing of Jenna Pellegrini and Christine Sullivan.

Judge Mark Howard sentenced Verrill to 45 years to life for the murder of Sullivan. He received the same sentence for the murder of Pellegrini, to be served consecutive to the first sentence. He also received 3.5 to 7 years for each of five counts of falsifying evidence, to be served concurrently with the murder sentences.

"It's likely you will spend the rest of your life in prison," Howard told Verrill in Strafford County Superior Court. "This sends a message that this brutality will not be tolerated."

In April, a jury found Verrill guilty of second-degree murder for killing Pellegrini, 32, and Sullivan, 48, at a Farmington home in 2017.

Howard told Verrill the "extent of brutality" is something he had never seen before.

“In Jenna's death, there were multiple stab wounds, so severe there was a separation of the jugular,” he said. “There were 43 stabs, 14 of which punctured her lungs, and broke ribs. There were no defense wounds. She was likely asleep when you started, but I have no doubt she woke, and you just continued your brutality.”

Two women lost to murder: Families of Jenna Pellegrini and Christine Sullivan say there was more to their lives than seen in trial

Howard said Verrill’s motive was paranoia, a belief that Pellegrini was a drug informant. He said he killed her to protect himself, the home's owner, Dean Smoronk, and others involved in a drug operation.

Howard said Verrill killed Sullivan, his friend, because he saw no other choice once he had killed Pellegrini.

“Christine suffered a blow to the back of head so severe it injured her occipital bone,” Howard said. “Her stabs were severe, and she was trying to get away. She collapsed on the deck, and you finished her there.”

Verrill has the right to appeal the sentenced, which was slightly more than prosecutors requested, to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Verrill has been in jail since 2017, when he was arrested and charged with killing the two women, who were both bludgeoned and stabbed to death on Jan. 27, 2017, at a 969 Meaderboro Road home in Farmington owned by Dean Smoronk, who was Sullivan’s boyfriend.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley talked about the brutality of the crimes in asking 40 years to life for the death of Sullivan and 43 years to life for the death of Pellegrini.

Families of Pellegrini and Sullivan express their pain in court

Sullivan’s brother Jeff and his mother Susan could not be present. Lauren Landau, Christine’s cousin, read victim impact statements for them and delivered one of her own.

For Jeff and Susan, she said, “For the past seven years we have lived with anxiety and anger. Christine was a loving daughter, sister, and an aunt. She was ready to change her life, but she never got the chance. This is real heartbreak among our friends and family.”

"Jeff said, 'The hardest thing I ever had to do was to tell my mother. There is no doubt in my mind that many more were involved in this. Regardless of his role, I forgive Tim and hope he has a chance to turn his life around.'”

Landau said it was impossible to describe the level of devastation her family feels.

“Christine will never realize her potential because on Jan. 27 you took it from her,” said Landau. “She laughed hard and had a wicked sense of humor. Christine is the first person you want next to you in times of struggle. We will never hear her again. A jury decided you were responsible for her murder. You let them die and now your family has lost you as well.”

Pellegrini’s father, Michael, said, “I knew this day would come yet I find it difficult to put into words. She deserved better. Her short 32 years, and now never being able to see her or speak to her. I spent every day in court, read every article. I hope this bring some justice.”

Michael Pellegrini said Jenna was his parents’ only granddaughter. He talked about the love in their family and the loss they all feel, including her two children, one who was so young at the time of the murder, she will not remember her mother.

“I have a lifetime of videos to share with the children,” said Pellegrini.

Pellegrini asked for the harshest possible sentence.

“I do not want my grandchildren having to worry about someday this monster getting out,” he said.

Nicole Ostrander, Jenna’s sister, talked about still feeling urges to call her sister and talk to her — and then remembering she cannot. She talked about seeing her after her death with so many wounds.

“I held her hand and said goodbye. She was a good person. No sentence would be harsh enough for what he has taken away from us.”

Josh St. Hilaire, Jenna’s brother, stood and slowly counted, from 1 to 43.

“That’s the number of stabs delivered by a ruthless monster to end the life of my beautiful sister,” he said. “If I could bring her back one more time, I would tell her I love her, miss her and how much I wish I could have saved her. My family will never get that opportunity. No punishment could ever make our pain go away.”

Amy Bryan, Jenna’s mother, spoke to her late daughter and to Verrill.

“You were supposed to be there for every moment, together for everything,” she said. “My heart hurts every day, sometimes days overwhelm me. I carry you with me every day, I talk to you. I miss your smile. You will never be there for your kids, to wipe their tears, to teach them to play ball.”

To Verrill, Bryan said, “An eye for an eye. That is what you deserve. Such a brutal murder. I had to see my baby one more time, the brutality you inflicted on my daughter is unimaginable. Was she awake, was she aware, pleading for you to stop? Did she call out her children’s names? I hope what you have done to them will haunt you forever.”

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Timothy Verrill sentenced to 'life in prison' for murder of two women