A Terre Hill man will serve up to a decade in prison for severely beating a woman last year and holding a gun to her head while threatening to kill.
Zackery J. Zerbe was convicted at an August trial of felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor simple assault (two counts) and terroristic threats regarding the Nov. 11, 2016, attack in the 200 block of New Street.
Zerbe, 27, said at sentencing Monday he wished he would have “handled things differently” and that he wants to make changes in his life.
Lancaster County Judge Howard Knisely ordered a 3 1/3-to-10-year prison term, saying Zerbe’s comments showed a lack of remorse.
Assistant District Attorney Susan Ellison presented evidence at trial that Zerbe repeatedly punched and strangled the woman, who watched the sentencing from the courtroom gallery.
Judge Knisely commended her for her strength to endure the attack and to testify about it at trial.
Judge Knisely also noted the trial testimony of Dr. Harry Kintzi, who testified that the strangulation caused a “near-death” experience, was crucial to explaining the severity of Zerbe’s actions. The victim lost consciousness.
Ellison credited East Earl Township police Officer Courtenay Delaney, who filed charges, for a thorough investigation.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright
