HUDSON, Wis. (WCCO/AP) – The man who killed his three daughters in their River Falls, Wis. home was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences behind bars on Monday afternoon with no chance for parole.
The sentencing hearing for Aaron Schaffhausen was held in Hudson more than one year since he killed 11-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophie and 5-year-old Cecilia.
St. Croix County Circuit Judge Howard Cameron said he didn’t believe Schaffhausen could be helped and that the sentencing had to have the public’s best interest and safety in mind.
“I don’t think you can be rehabilitated at this point and time,” he said.
Schaffhausen remained emotionless, blankly staring ahead as the sentencing was read. Before being sentenced, the judge asked if he had anything to say and Schaffhausen shook his head, “no.”
Life sentences were mandatory in each girl’s death, but Schaffhausen had the prospect of supervised release after at least 20 years in prison. That was rejected by Judge Cameron.
Schaffhausen pleaded guilty to killing his three daughters earlier this year to get back at his ex-wife, but his attorneys tried to convince a jury, back in April, that Schaffhausen was insane at the time of the crime.
Jurors found he had a mental defect, but knew the killings were wrong.
The insanity trial lasted two weeks with testimony from medical experts, the girls’ mother and the babysitter.
On Monday, several of Schaffhausen’s family members made emotional statements to the judge — some pushing for the maximum punishment and others for leniency on his behalf.
Many inside the courtroom said no punishment could fit this crime, including the judge who offered his apologies to the girls’ mother, Jessica. The judge was very clear to the media and asked that no one take video of Jessica in court.
During the testimony, Mary Elizabeth Stotz, the girls’ aunt, may have packed the biggest punch.
“Aaron should rot in hell of this world and eternity with his hatred, evilness and cowardly ways. Let the darkness of his actions haunt him forever,” she said. “Aaron is not mentally ill, just an extremely evil coward.”
Schaffhausen’s attorney said they will appeal the sentencing.
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