The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office intends to seek death sentences upon conviction of two Lancaster men charged with killing two brothers last month in their city home.
On Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson filed notices of intent to seek sentences of death against Joshua M. Proper and Juan Cristo-Munoz, both 18.
Proper and Cristo-Munoz are charged with numerous counts, including two counts of homicide and robbery, for the Feb. 19 killings of the brothers, ages 61 and 62, at their Poplar Street home.
Proper and Cristo-Munoz are at Lancaster County Prison without bail; they recently waived preliminary hearings.
In the notices, Wilson cites four aggravating circumstances that jurors should consider at sentencing. They are:
- The defendants committed killings while committing another felony (burglary and robbery)
- During the killings, the defendants presented a grave risk of death to another person at the home
- Torture was involved in the killing of one victim
- There are multiple homicide victims
In the notice, Wilson indicates the case is still being investigated and additional aggravating factors could be applicable.
On Feb. 19, Lancaster city police officers responded to 627 Poplar Street and found the brothers wounded and two individuals, later identified as Proper and Cristo-Munoz, in the basement.
Autopsies revealed the brothers died of multiple traumatic injuries from stab wounds; their deaths were ruled homicides.
Lancaster city police Detective Eric McCrady filed charges.
Arraignment dates in Lancaster County Court are scheduled for April 13.
Proper and Cristo-Munoz are presumed innocent.
(Proper at left in photo.)
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright