Convicted Murderer Sentenced to 60 Years for Fatal Stabbing at Former Senator’s Estate
In a tragic incident that shook a community, a convicted murderer has been handed a 60-year prison sentence for a brutal stabbing that led to the death of a woman at a former U.S. Senator’s estate. The defendant, Brandon Petersen, was found guilty of first-degree murder and weapons offenses after a three-week trial.
The incident took place on December 6, 2020, at a sprawling property owned by former U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli in Delaware Township. Around 9:13 p.m., the police responded to a report of a stabbing victim, later identified as 38-year-old Michele Carkhuff. According to prosecutors, Petersen, who was under the influence of drugs, attacked Carkhuff with a kitchen knife while they were preparing food together.
After the stabbing, Petersen fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. However, he was apprehended the following morning in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania. Tragically, Carkhuff was rushed to a hospital in Mercer County but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Her untimely passing has left behind two daughters, a young granddaughter, and her grieving mother.
This is an unspeakably tragic case and a senseless murder, which has robbed Michelle Carkuff’s family of the opportunity to make lasting memories, expressed Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson in a statement. Throughout the trial, Carkuff’s family attended every day, demonstrating the profound extent of their loss.
Petersen’s sentencing is particularly noteworthy considering his troubling history. Having been in and out of prison since the age of 15, when he nearly took another person’s life through a similar stabbing incident, his pattern of violence is glaring. He had previously served a 13-year term and was subsequently arrested in 2016 for cocaine possession, followed by another arrest after serving a one-year sentence. Despite these circumstances, Petersen had been released from prison in August 2019 before his arrest in December 2020.
The conviction and sentencing of Brandon Petersen serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violent acts. While serving a 60-year sentence, he will not be eligible for parole until he has completed at least 51 years behind bars. As the community mourns the loss of Michele Carkhuff and supports her grieving family, this case stands as a testament to the pursuit of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
In conclusion, the conviction of Brandon Petersen and his subsequent 60-year prison sentence shed light on the tragic stabbing incident that claimed the life of Michele Carkhuff. With a history of violence and a horrifying pattern of behavior, Petersen’s sentencing sends a strong message regarding the consequences of senseless acts of violence. As the community collectively mourns the loss of a beloved mother, daughter, and grandmother, justice is being sought for the victim and her grieving family.
