Dana Chandler Sentenced to Life in Prison Following Third Murder Trial
A Kansas woman received a life sentence on Tuesday for the 2002 slayings of her former spouse and his girlfriend. In a courtroom filled with emotion, Judge Cheryl Rios imposed two consecutive life terms on 65-year-old Dana Chandler, found guilty of the murders of Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness. Chandler will not be eligible for parole for 50 years, although she will receive credit for approximately 13 years already spent behind bars.
Victim Impact Statement
During the sentencing, Chandler’s daughter, Hailey Seel, delivered a moving statement about her mother’s actions. She expressed profound disappointment, stating, “I truly see her now as the evil killer. I hate it. I don’t want to call you evil killer, but I can’t live in a fairy tale.” Seel urged the court to show mercy if her mother confessed to the crime, but if Chandler continued to reject responsibility, she asked for the maximum penalty.
Denial of Charges
Despite the verdict, Dana Chandler maintained her innocence, asserting, “I was not in Topeka, Kansas, on July 7. I never owned or possessed a 9-millimeter firearm.” The courtroom dynamics shifted as she expressed her feelings of injustice regarding the trial.
Background of the Case
The tragic events unfolded on July 7, 2002, when Sisco, 47, and Harkness, 53, were fatally shot multiple times in Harkness’s home in Topeka. Following their bitter divorce, family members reported Chandler’s disturbing behavior, which included harassment of Sisco. Although initially questioned, she was not charged due to insufficient evidence.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Murders of Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness | July 7, 2002 |
| Chandler’s Arrest | 2011 |
| First Conviction | 2012 |
| Conviction Overturned | 2018 |
| Third Trial Start | February 2025 |
| Sentencing | June 3, 2025 |
The Trials
Chandler’s case has seen a tumultuous legal history, with her initial conviction in 2012 occurring under a cloud of prosecutorial misconduct. The Kansas Supreme Court later overturned that conviction, citing misleading statements from the prosecution. However, they did not dismiss the case, allowing a retrial to proceed under the direction of new Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay.
The second trial in 2022 resulted in a hung jury, which led to Chandler being released on bail with GPS monitoring. In her third trial, she represented herself and presented extensive arguments regarding her lack of physical evidence linking her to the crime scene. Ultimately, the jury deliberated for a few hours before declaring her guilty again, a verdict that Seel expressed relief over but also lamented the overshadowing of the victims’ legacies during the trial.
Looking Forward
Following her conviction, Chandler intends to file motions for appeal. Her ongoing legal battles and the grievous nature of the crimes have kept the case in the public eye, as it continues to raise questions about justice and accountability.
