Peter & Joan Porco
Chris Porco attacked his parents with an axe while they slept in Delmar, New York. His father died; his mother survived but lost an eye. Joan initially identified Chris by nodding, then denied it.
On November 15, 2004, Peter Porco was attacked with a fireman's axe while sleeping in his Delmar, New York home. His wife Joan was also struck but survived. In a bizarre detail, Peter apparently got up after the attack and went about his morning routine—making his lunch, getting the newspaper—before collapsing and dying.
When a paramedic asked Joan Porco if her son Christopher did this, she nodded yes. But after recovering, Joan denied Chris was responsible and became his staunchest defender.
Evidence showed Chris had driven from his college at the University of Rochester, used a stolen key, and attacked his parents over disputes about money and forged loans. Toll records placed his car on the route.
Chris Porco was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder in 2006 and sentenced to 50 years to life. Joan Porco testified in his defense.
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