Allen Witruke

MAYVILLE — A Jamestown man who confessed to the December 2015 killings of his wife and stepson will spend the next two decades behind bars.

Allen P. Witruke was handed a 20-year prison sentence by the Hon. James F. Bargnesi on Tuesday at the Chautauqua County Courthouse. In May, the 53-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree manslaughter, a Class B violent felony. Bargnesi handed two 20-year sentences for each killing, which will run concurrently with a five-year post release supervision.

On the morning of Dec. 8, 2015, Witruke stabbed his wife, Catharine, 52, and beat and stabbed 34-year-old stepson Eric Washburn at a 235 Barrows St. home in Jamestown. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the bodies while executing an eviction at the house. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Witruke fled the scene to Olean where police later apprehended him.

Following the decision, Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson told The Post-Journal that the sentence is what he expected given Witruke’s acceptance of responsibility. Swanson said Witruke was looking at a maximum of 25 years in prison on each count. Swanson said he suspects Witruke’s acknowledgment of responsibility led the judge to hand down 20 years.

“He’ll be in prison for a long, long time. We’re very happy with the sentence,” Swanson said. “And if he gets out, he’ll be in his 70s. For a tragedy to take two people’s lives, we feel (the sentence) is fitting given the circumstances in this case, which were in some ways unique.”

Swanson said he hopes the family members of the victims can begin the healing process.

Before sentencing, Public Defender Ned Barone told the judge to consider Witruke’s mental health issues that overcame him in a time that was “most challenging for his family.” Barone said his mental health issues aren’t an excuse for what happened and understands the court’s interest in justice. But Barone said Witruke lost complete control of his ability to reason at that time.

“Mr. Witruke isn’t asking to just be let go. He understands his responsibility,” Barone said. “He understands the consequences. What happened was a tragedy for all involved. Mr. Witruke is a man that needs help. He needs mental health help.”

Jessica Washburn, daughter of Catherine and sister to Eric, spoke about her mother and brother at Tuesday’s sentencing. Saying goodbye was completely life changing and heartbreaking for Washburn as she said Witruke made a choice to act on Dec. 8, 2015, rather than walk away. Washburn was joined by family members who sat in the courtroom.

“Allen took more than my mom and Eric, he took our sense of security,” she said. “Now I stand alone waiting for one more minute with my big brother. My mom was always there and was a constant ally I’d count on.”

At certain points during Washburn’s speech, Witruke shook his head and leaned over the table in a show of emotion. Witruke was given an opportunity by the judge to speak, for which he said he misses his family and needs help with his mental issues. Witruke also said he doesn’t know what happened to this day. Witruke’s family members were also in attendance.

“If I say I’m sorry, it doesn’t please me,” Witruke said. “I’m ashamed and remorseful I did this.”

Along with the 20-year sentence, an order of protection was granted by Bargnesi for members of the Washburn family.

Swanson credited the Jamestown and Olean police departments as well as the Chautauqua County Forensic Investigation Team for their work on the case.

“The amount of investigation and hard work that goes into prosecuting murder cases is astronomical, and each and every officer involved in this case needs to be commended,” Swanson said.