A judge in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, has denied a request for post-conviction relief from Kimberly Maurer, who is serving a life sentence plus an additional 10 to 20 years for the torture and murder of her 12-year-old stepson, Maxwell Schollenberger. The ruling, announced by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday on August 26, 2023, affirmed that Maurer received adequate legal representation during her 2022 trial, which resulted in a conviction backed by compelling evidence.
Details of the Conviction
Maurer, along with her husband, Scott Schollenberger, was found guilty of subjecting Maxwell to severe abuse and neglect. Prosecutors revealed that the couple isolated the boy, locking him away and depriving him of basic needs. The court heard harrowing details of how Maxwell was confined to a darkened room, cut off from the outside world, leading to his tragic and preventable death.
The court’s verdict imposed a life sentence without the possibility of parole for Maurer, along with an additional 10 to 20 years for her role in the crime. Schollenberger, who is Maxwell’s biological father, is also serving a life sentence for his part in the abuse.
Judge’s Strong Rejection of Relief Motion
The motion for post-conviction relief was filed after Maurer’s appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court was denied. Lebanon County Common Pleas Judge Bradford Charles presided over the recent proceedings and issued a pointed opinion dismissing Maurer’s claims. He characterized the motion as “offensive” and viewed it as an attempt to evade responsibility for her actions.
Attorney General Sunday expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the severity of the case. He stated, “The acts in this case are so cruel and depraved that they are difficult to believe. Our office argued, and the presiding judge agreed, that this motion for relief was the defendant’s latest attempt to avoid accountability for the deliberate and intentional torture and killing of a pre-teenage child.”
The actions taken by the criminal justice system reaffirmed the commitment to accountability in cases of extreme child abuse, ensuring that Maurer will remain incarcerated for life.
Circumstances Surrounding Maxwell’s Death
In May 2020, authorities discovered the deceased body of Maxwell Schollenberger inside the family’s residence in Annville Township. Investigators determined that Maxwell had been confined in a room with sealed windows, leading to a lack of sunlight and severe malnutrition. At the time of his death, he weighed only 47 pounds and exhibited signs of significant neglect and head trauma. A forensic pathologist concluded that his death was a homicide, attributed to blunt force trauma and compounded by starvation.
The Office of Attorney General handled the prosecution of Maurer during her original trial and represented the Commonwealth throughout the post-conviction relief proceedings. Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Schmidt successfully defended the trial’s outcome, ensuring that the court’s decision stands firm.
As this case continues to resonate within the community, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities adults have in safeguarding vulnerable children. The ruling reflects a broader commitment to justice for victims of abuse, affirming that those who commit such heinous acts will face serious consequences.
For the latest updates on child protection measures and related legal developments in Pennsylvania, follow local news outlets and official announcements.
