A Delaware County man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for murdering his pregnant wife and assaulting his two daughters.
Drew J. Garnier, 33, of Masonville, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and 15 years of post-release supervision on May 15 in Delaware County court after admitting to repeatedly stabbing his pregnant wife and their two children at their Masonville home on Houck Road.
Drew J. Garnier stabbed Samantha Garnier and their two children on September 4th, citing a “domestic dispute.” Samantha Garnier and her unborn daughter perished as a result of the attack.
Following his arrest at the scene, Drew Garnier was charged with second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. Garnier later pleaded guilty in March to first-degree manslaughter and two counts of first-degree assault.
Samantha Garnier’s father addressed the court during the sentencing, stating that he believes the murder was motivated by the sex of the unborn child because Drew J. Garnier “had wanted a boy.”
Samantha Garnier’s father stated that he adopted both Drew J. Garnier’s daughters, who have been traumatized by the murder.
“I am their father now − I will protect them,” he assured them.
According to a news release, Delaware County Court Judge John L. Hubbard was then informed that Drew Garnier had requested permission to contact the children if they so desired.
Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith objected to the request, requesting that a no-contact order be issued for the maximum time allowed by law. Hubbard agreed, but said a court could change the orders in the future if the victims wanted to contact Drew Garnier again.
After Drew Garnier was sentenced, Hubbard stated that his actions were incomprehensible.
“You took a life and injured your children,” Hubbard said. “They had a right to expect protection from you.”
Smith spoke to Samantha Garnier’s family, stating that “every member of law enforcement, every employee of my office, and everyone at Safe Against Violence” is thinking about them.
“While nothing we do can bring Samantha back, her killer has been put where he belongs,” said the politician.