Court Story

It was a cold morning on December 19, 1991, when Lucy Marie Landon and her two accomplices 17-year-old Talia Doe and 20-year-old Leon Yanks engaged in an act of violence that would take the life of Lorelie Snow, a 16-year-old from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The cause of death was exsanguination, or the draining of ones’ blood. Landon was arrested in Lancaster the same day by officer Judy Doughnut, Lampeter Township PD. Lt. Doughnut responded to the call on 90 Black Drive, Lancaster, Pa. On December 18, 1991, the victim’s mother Mabel White-Snow received a phone call at work. She was told that she had to report to Penn Manor High School at 7:30 the next morning to talk about an incident that happened with her daughter outside the school gym. 

 

That morning, Landon’s accomplice Talia Doe arrived late to Penn Manor High School (approximately 10:15 a.m.) with her face “covered in scratches” according to Phys Ed teacher Jamie Spangler. Spangler testified to this in court during the trial which occurred on July 20, 1992, in Lancaster County Courtroom 1. It was led by Honorable John Steele of Lancaster with the jury being waived as well. 

 

The trial brought more details to light including valuable pieces of evidence. Laboratory tests proved that the sweatpants worn by Landon at the time of the murder contained Snow’s blood. One of Landon’s accomplices, Leon Yanks testified against her, going on to reveal that he did not know their intention to kill, he just knew both wanted to harass. Further testimony revealed valuable insight into the murder: Doe held Snow down while Landon slit Snow’s throat. Landon was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, but her defense attorney Christine Rain intends to appeal the sentence.