A man convicted of shoving his wife to her death off a cliff could face life in prison. http://t.co/TY37K1fbwD
A 59-year-old Colorado man was found guilty Monday of killing his wife by pushing her off a cliff in Rocky Mountain National Park in order to collect millions in life insurance money.
Harold Henthorn had taken out three life insurance policies totaling $4.5 million before the death of his wife, Toni, on Sept. 29, 2012. Henthorn was arrested in November 2014.
"Today's conviction means Harold Henthorn will never hurt or kill another woman," Bob Troyer, federal prosecutor, says.
Toni Henthorn died after falling about 130 feet from a ledge near a hiking trail. The couple had been in the park to celebrate their anniversary, though friends said she was not an avid hiker and questioned why she would be in such rugged terrain.
Prosecutors said Harold Henthorn had visited the park nine times before his wife's death, alleging that he was scouting for a location "perfect for murder." A map was marked with an X on the location where his wife fell.
#BREAKING: Applause in courtroom after Harold #Henthorn is removed. Tears as Toni's relatives hug. @DenverChannel
The trial also raised questions surrounding the death of his first wife, Sandra Lynn, in 1995. She was crushed by a car when it fell off its jack as he was changing a tire. The death was at the time ruled an accident, but a local sheriff said earlier this year he believed Sandra Lynn had been murdered. A life insurance policy had also been taken out shortly before her death.
The similarities in the two women's deaths drew attention from 48 Hours and Dateline. Family and friends of his second wife described Harold Henthorn as controlling and creepy.
Defense attorneys did not speak with reporters after the verdict Monday. Henthorn faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced in December.