A tragic family argument in Pennsylvania ended in unimaginable violence, leaving two women dead, one man seriously injured, and an entire family permanently scarred. A 64-year-old man will now spend the rest of his life in prison after admitting to killing his estranged wife and her elderly aunt during a dispute over something as simple as cooking dinner.
Life Sentence After Guilty Plea
On Friday, Santiago Payano-Sanchez pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges, including two counts of criminal homicide. According to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, he also admitted guilt to attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, and possessing an instrument of crime.
Following the guilty plea, Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Conrad sentenced Payano-Sanchez to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. In addition to that, the court imposed another 20 to 40 years in state prison, ensuring he will never be released.
Victims Identified
The case stems from the deaths of 59-year-old Ana Gutierrez-Cedano, the defendant’s estranged wife, and her 74-year-old aunt, Dominga Cedano-Cedano. The couple’s 33-year-old son also survived the attack after being shot in the stomach, though prosecutors said he still has bullet fragments lodged in his body.
Two young children, aged 2 and 7, were inside the home at the time of the shooting but were physically unharmed.
What Happened That Night
The deadly incident took place on the night of October 5, 2025, at the family’s home on Oak Hollow Drive in West Hempfield Township, a small area located about 90 miles west of Philadelphia.
During the sentencing hearing, Assistant District Attorney Jessica Collo described the argument as completely senseless. What began as a disagreement over who would cook dinner quickly spiralled out of control. Prosecutors said Payano-Sanchez retrieved a gun during the argument and shot his wife, who was confined to a wheelchair.
Violence Continued Inside the Home
The violence did not stop there. When the couple’s son tried to intervene and wrestle the gun away, Payano-Sanchez shot him as well. The father then moved upstairs, where he shot and killed his wife’s aunt.
By the time police arrived, both women had already died from their injuries. West Hempfield Township police initially prepared for a barricaded gunman situation, but Payano-Sanchez eventually surrendered without further resistance.
Emotional Courtroom Statements
During the hearing, Payano-Sanchez addressed the court and said he could not explain why the argument escalated into deadly violence. He asked his family for forgiveness and said he accepted the punishment imposed by the law.
Family members of the victims shared heartbreaking statements through letters read aloud in court. The daughter of the older victim said her mother’s death left a void that could never be filled and that the family would carry the trauma for the rest of their lives.
The daughter of Ana Gutierrez-Cedano also spoke of permanent loss, ongoing grief, post-traumatic stress, and sleepless nights caused by the tragedy.
Additional Penalties Ordered
Along with spending the rest of his life in prison, Payano-Sanchez was ordered to pay more than $11,000 in restitution to the victims. The court also ruled that he is permanently barred from contacting the victims’ families in any form.
