DOYLESTOWN, PA — A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to serve up to 25 years in a state prison for committing a series of heinous crimes in Bucks County, sparking fear in the local community. The courtroom fell to a hush on Monday, June 3, 2024, as Kevin O’Connell, a man without a known address, stood before Common Pleas Judge, Jeffrey L. Finley, entering a no-contest plea for a shocking litany of offenses.
O’Connell was charged with two counts each of robbery of a motor vehicle, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and terroristic threats. Additionally, he faced three counts of simple assault, and one count each of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person. The gravest among his crimes were two carjackings and two burglaries—one of which resulted in an elderly woman’s hospitalization.
The evidence against O’Connell was damning, with DNA samples playing a crucial role in ensuring his conviction. The police used these samples to link O’Connell to all four incidents, two of which were burglaries that took place in 2022 in Tullytown Borough and Bristol Township.
Judge Finley, while pronouncing the sentence, condemned O’Connell’s actions, arguing that he had effectively stolen his victims’ lives. He said that in addition to their property, O’Connell had taken away their sense of security and instilled a deep-seated fear which would undoubtedly affect their daily lives.
Beyond the lengthy prison sentence, Judge Finley ordered O’Connell to have absolutely no contact with the victims. Furthermore, he was directed to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and was handed a heavy restitution order of more than $30,000.
District Attorney Jennifer Schorn expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “I applaud the work done in this case. Thanks to this team’s efforts and the sentence that was imposed, a violent offender who went to extraordinary lengths to rob and steal will not be able to prey upon others for quite some time,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. “I also applaud the strength and courage the victims displayed in this case.”
O’Connell’s trail of crime unraveled after he was arrested in Philadelphia following a carjacking on August 19, 2022, at 200 Commerce Circle in Bristol Borough. Witnesses at the scene were able to give police a detailed account of the incident, which enabled them to apprehend O’Connell shortly after.
O’Connell’s crime spree has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many residents feeling threatened and insecure. As the gravity of his actions sinks in, the hope is that this harsh sentence will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals, signaling that such cruel and uncaring actions will not be tolerated.
This case was meticulously investigated by the Bristol Borough Police Department, the Bristol Township Police Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department. Deputy District Attorney Edward Furman Jr. was responsible for its successful prosecution.
Though O’Connell’s sentencing provides some closure for the victims and the community, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance. The strength and resilience demonstrated by these victims echo the community’s determination to reclaim their sense of safety and security, a sentiment strongly echoed by District Attorney Jennifer Schorn.
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