Mother Who Hanged Her Children and Blamed Son’s Bullying Found Guilty of Murder

Lisa Snyder, 41, has been found guilty of the brutal murders of her two children, who were discovered hanging in the basement of their home in Albany Township, Pennsylvania, five years ago. Snyder was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of her 8-year-old son Conner and her 4-year-old daughter Brinley. Both children were taken off life support three days after being found unresponsive, told WFMZ.

The conviction carries an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole. Snyder had initially claimed that her son, a victim of bullying, had threatened to take his own life, but investigators found no evidence to support her story. School bus surveillance footage from the day of the incident showed no signs of distress in the boy, and an occupational therapist testified that Conner was not physically capable of causing such harm to himself or his younger sister.

Further damning evidence came from Snyder’s online search history, which included disturbing queries such as “how to kill someone,” “death by hanging,” and episodes of a crime documentary titled I Almost Got Away With It. Investigators also found searches related to suicide methods.

The coroner confirmed that both children had died from hanging and classified their deaths as homicides. Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defense argued for acquittal, claiming the case was built on speculation and “guesswork.”

ABC 6 reported Snyder had waived her right to a jury trial, opting instead for a bench trial. On Tuesday, after just an hour of deliberation, Berks County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Theresa Johnson found her guilty of the murders. In addition to the murder charges, Snyder was convicted of child endangerment and tampering with evidence.

The sentencing has been scheduled for October 17, and Snyder faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Previously, Snyder had attempted to enter a plea of no contest but mentally ill to two counts of third-degree murder. However, Judge Johnson rejected the plea deal last year, stating it did not “serve the interests of justice.”

The conviction brings a tragic case to a close, as Snyder now faces the consequences of her actions. The community remains shaken by the horrific events, and the sentencing will mark the final chapter in a heartbreaking case of violence and loss.