Prosecutor Regrets Convicting 'Female Charles Manson'

The true crime docuseries 'Girl on the Run: The Hunt for America's Most Wanted Woman' is bringing renewed attention to the case of Sarah Pender. Initially convicted in 2002 and labeled the 'female Charles Manson' by prosecutor Larry Sells, Pender received a 110-year sentence for orchestrating the 2000 murders of two individuals.

Sells, the former deputy prosecutor for Marion County, now publicly voices doubts about Pender's trial. He has stated that new evidence has emerged, leading him to believe she did not receive a fair trial and that he regrets prosecuting the case. This shift in perspective is a central focus of the docuseries.

Pender's case involves the murders of Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman, which occurred at the home she shared with her boyfriend, Richard Hull. Hull, who committed the killings, claimed an argument over money escalated. Pender admitted to purchasing the shotgun used and helping Hull dispose of the bodies, but has always maintained her innocence in the murders.

Further complicating the conviction were a disputed confession letter and questionable testimony from a fellow inmate. Despite these issues, a jury found Pender guilty. In 2008, Pender escaped from Rockville Correctional Facility with the help of a correctional officer and a former cellmate, remaining a fugitive for approximately 140 days before her capture.

Currently serving her 110-year sentence, Pender has petitioned for a sentence reduction, which was denied in January 2026. The former prosecutor's expressed doubts and the ongoing exploration of the case in the docuseries continue to fuel discussions about justice and the potential for a retrial.