Upstate New York Man Sentenced for Killing Sister over Supernatural Beliefs
Sep 26, 2023, 11:00 AM
In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through the small town of Lyme, upstate New York, a man has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison after murdering his sister, whom he believed was practicing witchcraft. The chilling details of this gruesome crime have been widely reported, drawing both local and international attention.
Disturbing Details
Anthony Dibella, 53, was found guilty of the horrific killing of his 67-year-old sister, Wanda Paoli, in April 2022. The fatal assault saw Paoli repeatedly stabbed in the head, neck, and face with two unusual weapons: a bayonet blade and an awl – a tool commonly used in leatherwork and wood marking.
“I was done with her witchcraft,” a seemingly unrepentant Dibella confessed to New York State Police troopers after they arrived at the residence. The crime scene, located on Failing Shores Lane in Lyme, a town not far from the Canadian border, was shared by the siblings and their 89-year-old mother, who fortunately remained unharmed during the violent episode.
The Arrest
In a twist that further underscores the shocking nature of this incident, it was Dibella himself who alerted law enforcement. In a chilling call made on April 28, 2022, Dibella informed Jefferson County 911 dispatchers, “Wanda Paoli is being killed, she is a witch, killed with a knife and awl, and is currently on the porch.”
Empire State police officers were on the scene by 11:30 a.m., discovering the grievously injured Paoli on the back porch of their residence. NYSP Trooper and Public Information Officer Jack Keller, speaking to CBS affiliate WWNY, recounted the grim scene: “Troopers arrived on scene, she was already outside, laying outside the side door. They immediately attempted to perform rescue efforts, unfortunately, she succumbed to those injuries.”
Later that day, during an intense interrogation, Dibella made several confessions, revealing his twisted rationale. He told troopers, “I had to do what I did to her because she was getting in the way of me communicating to God.” Dibella further expressed his disapproval of certain practices, saying, “People are worshipping rocks and dirt instead of God.”
The Investigation and Trial
As the investigation progressed, the police gathered more damning evidence against Dibella. A notable revelation came from the defendant's brother, Russell Dibella, who resides in Texas. Russell informed the police that Anthony had confessed to the crime over a phone call, chillingly stating, “I killed her” and “I stabbed her in the head.”
Initially, Anthony Dibella had pleaded not guilty to the charges of second-degree murder and two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. However, in July, in a turn of events, he pleaded guilty to the primary charge of murder.
On Wednesday, after a trial marked by its disturbing details and tragic family dynamics, Dibella was handed down his sentence in a Jefferson County court, as reported by WWNY.
Conclusion
This tragic incident underscores the dangerous intersection of deep-seated beliefs, mental health, and potential acts of violence. The community of Lyme and its residents are undoubtedly grappling with the profound impact of this crime, and the broader public is left to reflect on the often-unseen tensions that can exist within families. Our condolences extend to all affected by this tragic event.
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Disturbing Details
Anthony Dibella, 53, was found guilty of the horrific killing of his 67-year-old sister, Wanda Paoli, in April 2022. The fatal assault saw Paoli repeatedly stabbed in the head, neck, and face with two unusual weapons: a bayonet blade and an awl – a tool commonly used in leatherwork and wood marking.
“I was done with her witchcraft,” a seemingly unrepentant Dibella confessed to New York State Police troopers after they arrived at the residence. The crime scene, located on Failing Shores Lane in Lyme, a town not far from the Canadian border, was shared by the siblings and their 89-year-old mother, who fortunately remained unharmed during the violent episode.
The Arrest
In a twist that further underscores the shocking nature of this incident, it was Dibella himself who alerted law enforcement. In a chilling call made on April 28, 2022, Dibella informed Jefferson County 911 dispatchers, “Wanda Paoli is being killed, she is a witch, killed with a knife and awl, and is currently on the porch.”
Empire State police officers were on the scene by 11:30 a.m., discovering the grievously injured Paoli on the back porch of their residence. NYSP Trooper and Public Information Officer Jack Keller, speaking to CBS affiliate WWNY, recounted the grim scene: “Troopers arrived on scene, she was already outside, laying outside the side door. They immediately attempted to perform rescue efforts, unfortunately, she succumbed to those injuries.”
Later that day, during an intense interrogation, Dibella made several confessions, revealing his twisted rationale. He told troopers, “I had to do what I did to her because she was getting in the way of me communicating to God.” Dibella further expressed his disapproval of certain practices, saying, “People are worshipping rocks and dirt instead of God.”
The Investigation and Trial
As the investigation progressed, the police gathered more damning evidence against Dibella. A notable revelation came from the defendant's brother, Russell Dibella, who resides in Texas. Russell informed the police that Anthony had confessed to the crime over a phone call, chillingly stating, “I killed her” and “I stabbed her in the head.”
Initially, Anthony Dibella had pleaded not guilty to the charges of second-degree murder and two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. However, in July, in a turn of events, he pleaded guilty to the primary charge of murder.
On Wednesday, after a trial marked by its disturbing details and tragic family dynamics, Dibella was handed down his sentence in a Jefferson County court, as reported by WWNY.
Conclusion
This tragic incident underscores the dangerous intersection of deep-seated beliefs, mental health, and potential acts of violence. The community of Lyme and its residents are undoubtedly grappling with the profound impact of this crime, and the broader public is left to reflect on the often-unseen tensions that can exist within families. Our condolences extend to all affected by this tragic event.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com