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16 years after brutal murder, case remains unsolved
By BRIAN CARSON
Sentinel correspondent
LEWISTOWN -- This year marked the 16th anniversary of the tragic deaths of Sherry Jo Leonard and Jason Specht, and the family's resolve to seek justice and honor their memories was as strong as ever.
The 2023 Annual Leonard/Specht Family Gathering was not only a meeting but a reaffirmation of their unyielding commitment.
In the past, the families have held demonstrations and candlelight vigils in memory of their loved ones. This year, the gathering was held via Zoom call.
The pain of loss was palpable, as was the love and
cherished memories.
Eric Specht, Jason's brother, shared his unique way of connecting with his late brother.
"I stop up at Jason's grave and place a beer on his headstone and drink one with him. I like to talk to him and reminisce." This simple act spoke volumes about the bond they shared, a brotherly love that not even death could sever.
Sherry Jo Leonard and Jason Specht were killed in a mobile home along U.S. 522 in Granville Township on Nov. 25, 2007.
They were discovered by firefighters and police officers around 4 a.m. after they were summoned to Jason Spect's home for a reported fire.
By the time firefighters got to Spect's residence, the home was almost fully engulfed in flames. Sherry Jo Leonard was pronounced dead at the scene and Jason Spect died shortly after in the emergency room at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.
Their deaths were later ruled homicides, as the county coroner ruled the cause of death for both victims as skull fractures that occurred prior to the start of the fire, which was later ruled an arson.
Sherry's family each had their own ways of keeping her spirit alive.
Aunt Ruth Angle penned a biography of Sherry, a personal tribute she had yet to share with the world.
Sister Jennifer Morris turned to a scrapbook filled with memories, a tangible collection of moments frozen in time.
And Mary Hancock, Sherry's mother, found solace in photographs, especially those with her daughters, "I have pictures, most of them she is with her sisters. It's sort of melancholy, but it brings back a lot of wonderful memories, too."
Corey Specht, another of Jason's brothers, emphasized the importance of storytelling in keeping his brother's memory alive, "I like to tell stories of the Specht brothers and their innocent mischief. You have these memories to hold on to, like going to Michigan football games, and I won't let these memories die."
Despite the passage of time, the details of that night are vivid in their minds -- the mobile home set ablaze, the tragic discovery of the bodies and the coroner's grim revelation of homicide.
The disappointment with the legal process was evident. In previous gatherings and public statements, the family expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation's slow pace.
"I'd like to think yes (the case will be solved)… All we can do is hope and pray," said Michele Huntsman, Sherry's sister, her voice reflecting a mix of optimism and lingering frustration.
Mifflin County District Attorney Christopher Torquato responded to the family's comments.
"This is an ongoing, open case that is still being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police. I am kept apprised by the investigating Trooper (Zachary Yetter) of the status of the case and what actions are being taken," Torquato said.
Torquato noted that he cannot discuss specifics that would compromise the case with the family or The Sentinel.
The families' resilience in the face of this prolonged battle is remarkable. Their annual gatherings, whether in person or virtual, serve as a powerful reminder of their unbroken resolve.
United by their loss and determination, the family remains committed to uncovering the truth and seeking closure. For them, Sherry and Jason represent more than memories; they are motivators for their continued pursuit.
Each day, they take another step forward in their collective effort to honor the memory of Sherry and Jason and seek answers for the injustice they faced.
As each family member logged off, they were reminded that this annual gathering was more than a routine event. It symbolized their ongoing commitment to ensuring the voices of Sherry and Jason are not forgotten and that their cause remains active.
They are seen as symbols of enduring love and a source of inspiration, driving the family's unity and their relentless hope for the future.
Sherry and Jason's legacy will continue to inspire, to motivate, and to guide as the families move forward, carrying the light of their lost loved ones into a future where justice, at last, might prevail.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS or contact Yetter at Pennsylvania State Police at Lewistown, (717) 320-1010.