Navy Veteran Sentenced to 18 Years to Life for Sister’s Murder
A Navy veteran, Anthony Dibella, has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for the brutal killing of his sister. He used a bayonet blade and awl to take her life, driven by the belief that she posed a threat to their mother due to her fascination with true-crime content.
Mental Health History Revealed
Dibella revealed that he had been diagnosed with schizoaffective and bipolar disorders in 1994, following his service in operation Desert Storm. In an attempt to seek help from a VA hospital rather than facing prison time, he disclosed this information during his trial in Jefferson County, New York.
Tragic Incident Unfolds
On April 28, 2022, Dibella reported his sister’s murder to 911 dispatchers, stating that “Wanda Paoli is being killed, she is a witch killed with a knife and awl, and is currently on the porch” of their Lyme home. First responders found Paoli with stab wounds to her head, neck, and face.
Bizarre Justification
Upon police arrival at their shared residence, Dibella explained that he committed the heinous act because his sister obstructed his communication with God. The arrest followed, with charges including second-degree murder, assault with intent to cause serious injury, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Family’s Impact Statement
In a heartfelt impact statement at the sentencing hearing, Paoli’s sons, Shawn and Josh, expressed their hope that Dibella remains incarcerated and never gets the chance to walk free. They emphasized the devastation caused by their uncle’s actions and the profound loss of their mother.
Unusual Defense Claims
Rather than expressing remorse, Dibella attempted to justify his actions. He mentioned Paoli’s interest in reality shows about serial killers, her recent purchase of a battery-powered chainsaw, and a minor bruise on their mother’s hand. He claimed these factors led him to believe that his sister intended to harm their mother.
Delusions Persist
Dibella revealed that he had discontinued his psychotropic medications after attending a healing church service in 2019. He firmly held onto his delusions, adamantly believing he had saved his mother’s life through his actions.
Courtroom Disapproval
Prosecutors objected to Dibella’s statements in court, asserting that the sentencing should not be used to disparage the victim. Judge David Renzi admonished Dibella, emphasizing that his guilty plea to second-degree murder nullified any potential mental health defense, and the act was a conscious choice to take someone’s life.