HARRISBURG, PA — A Cambria County man has received a life sentence after being convicted of first-degree murder for the 2016 killing of his former girlfriend, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced.
Christopher Rowe, 50, was found guilty by a jury in November 2024 for the premeditated strangulation of Kaylene Roedel, who was the mother of his child. The sentencing ensures Rowe will spend the rest of his life in prison with no opportunity for parole.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Rowe threatened Roedel at her workplace just days before her disappearance. Her body was discovered on August 7, 2016, along a hiking trail in Johnstown, PA. Surveillance footage showed Roedel’s car in the vicinity of the trail where she was found, and Rowe was later found in possession of the vehicle.
A witness testified that Rowe confessed to strangling Roedel and threatened to kill the witness should they inform anyone of the crime. At the time of Roedel’s death, Rowe was in county jail awaiting trial on charges related to a prior alleged assault against her.
Attorney General Henry emphasized the devastating impact of Rowe’s actions, stating, “This defendant ended one life and devastated many others with the premeditated and cold-hearted killing of the mother of his child.”
The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry and Deputy Attorney General Aaron McKendry.
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