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๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States /Crime & Justice

Kansas woman convicted of double murder after three trials

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Dana Chandler was convicted of the 2002 murders of her ex-husband, Mike Sisco, and his girlfriend, Karen Harkness, after her third trial.
  • Chandler represented herself in the latest trial, maintaining her innocence throughout the decades-long legal battle.
  • The case, which involved the discovery of the bodies in Harkness's home, has been covered by

Dana Chandler has been convicted of the 2002 murders of her ex-husband, Mike Sisco, and his girlfriend, Karen Harkness, following her third trial. Chandler, who maintained her innocence for decades, took the unusual step of representing herself in the most recent proceedings.

My liberty, my freedom is hanging in the balance.

โ€” Dana ChandlerDana Chandler during her closing arguments in her third murder trial.

The double murder case dates back to July 7, 2002, when relatives discovered Sisco and Harkness dead in Harkness's Topeka, Kansas, home. The couple had been seen the night before at a casino, with surveillance footage capturing their last known moments alive.

I want to understand what happened and why. And, and, and actually know the truth of what happened.

โ€” Hailey SeelHailey Seel, daughter of Dana Chandler and Mike Sisco, speaking about her pursuit of the truth.

Harold Worswick, Harkness's father, recounted finding the bodies in the basement bedroom. He described seeing Karen first, then Mike on the outside of the bed, before calling 911. The lead detective on the case, Richard Volle, a retired Topeka Police Department officer, responded to the report of two deceased individuals.

It's hard to swallow and it's hard to believe. It's insane.

โ€” Hailey SeelHailey Seel reacting to the events surrounding the murders.

Hailey Seel, the daughter of Chandler and Sisco, expressed her ongoing grief and search for truth. "I want to understand what happened and why. And, and, and actually know the truth of what happened," she told "48 Hours" contributor Jim Axelrod. The "48 Hours" program has covered the murders since 2008, interviewing those involved over the years.

I immediately just saw a bunch of tape around the house and police. โ€ฆ And my grandma's sitting in there and she just told me that they had been shot.

โ€” Hailey SeelHailey Seel describing the moment she learned of her father and Karen Harkness's deaths.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.