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Man Gets Life for Killing Wife, Aunt
2 Feb
Summary
- Man sentenced to life for killing estranged wife and her aunt.
- The fatal argument reportedly stemmed from a dispute over dinner preparations.
- Two young children were present but unharmed during the incident.
Santiago Payano-Sanchez, 64, received two life sentences without parole for fatally shooting his estranged wife, Ana Gutierrez-Cedano, 59, and her aunt, Dominga Cedano-Cedano, 74. The violent incident occurred at his West Hempfield Township home on October 5, 2025.
Prosecutors stated the killings followed a dispute over who would prepare dinner. Payano-Sanchez also shot his 33-year-old son, who survived the attack. Two children, aged 2 and 7, were also in the residence but escaped injury. Payano-Sanchez surrendered to authorities at the scene.
He pleaded guilty to criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide, and aggravated assault on January 30, 2026. In court, Payano-Sanchez expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness, acknowledging he must face legal consequences. Victim impact statements described profound, permanent loss and grief for the families.
