A woman from Steuben County has been sentenced for the shocking murder of a 100-year-old World War II veteran, a crime that shook the community four years ago.
Brenda Early, 55, admitted to killing Gerald Early, a centenarian who had lived through a century of history, including serving in WWII. In June 2020, she attacked him in his West First Street home, hitting him multiple times in the head with a hammer. The brutal act ended the life of a man who had seen and survived so much.
Brenda had once been an unofficial caregiver for Gerald but was let go in early 2020 due to concerns about his health and the risks of COVID-19. Her connection to him made the crime even more unsettling.
During the legal process, both the prosecution and defense brought in psychiatrists who agreed that Brenda had been experiencing an “extreme emotional disturbance” when she committed the murder. This fact played a role in the case, eventually leading to a plea agreement.
This week, Brenda was sentenced to 17 years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. While the punishment brings some closure, the community continues to grapple with the loss of a beloved veteran who lived a remarkable life, only to have it end in such a tragic way.
