Ann Anastasi sentenced for the murders of Anthony Anastasi, Jr., and Jacquelyn I Riggs in Lothian.
Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams announced that Ann Marie Anastasi, 44, of Lothian, was sentenced by Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge J. Michael Wachs to life suspend all but sixty years for murdering her husband and a woman with whom they were having an ongoing sexual relationship.
“Ann Anastasi destroyed multiple lives by coldly planning these murders and manipulating children into executing her vicious plan,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams. “Were it not for Mrs. Anastasi at the helm of this scheme the victims would still be alive today.”
It was concluded that Anthony Anastasi’s death was not a suicide as first reported, but in fact a homicide.
Police learned that both Mrs. Anastasi and her husband, Mr. Anastasi, were previously engaged in a romantic/sexual partnership with Ms. Riggs. However, while Mr. Anastasi and Ms. Riggs continued their relationship, Mrs. Anastasi was no longer involved, thus creating strife within the household.
A forensic analysis found gunshot residue on Mrs. Anastasi’s clothing and person. Additionally, an investigation of cellular records found text messages from October 4 and 5, 2015 in which Mrs. Anastasi discusses plans pertaining to the murders.
On December 7, 2016, Ann Marie Anastasi entered Alford pleas to two counts of First Degree Murder, and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence. An Alford plea allows the defendant to admit there is sufficient evidence to find guilt in the eyes of the law while still claiming innocence.
Judge J. Michael Wachs presided over the case. Assistant State’s Attorneys Jason Knight and Amanda Matey prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.
Source :
AACO State's Attorney
Wondering where the comments are? We encourage you to use the share buttons below and start the conversation on your own!
Eye On Annapolis is a community based site focusing strictly on Anne Arundel County. These staff postings are general news postings made by our team of bloggers throughout the day and are not attributed to any one particular staff person.
Connect with the Author
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.