Marina
After more than two decades of legal twists and retrials, Dana Chandler, 65, has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the 2002 murders of her ex-husband Mike Sisco and his girlfriend Karen Harkness.
Judge Cheryl Rios handed down the sentence on Tuesday, stating that Chandler will not be eligible for parole for 50 years, with credit for the 13 years she has already served behind bars.
Victim’s Daughter Delivers Powerful Testimony
During the sentencing, Chandler and Sisco’s daughter, Hailey Seel, delivered a heartfelt victim impact statement. According to the Kansas Reflector, Seel stated, “I truly see her now as the evil killer.”
She also urged the judge to show leniency if Chandler admitted guilt and expressed remorse. However, Seel recommended the maximum penalty if her mother continued to deny her involvement.
Chandler Maintains Her Innocence
Despite the verdict, Chandler insists she is innocent. In court, she said, “I continue to maintain my innocence. I was not in Topeka, Kansas, on July 7. I never owned or possessed a 9-millimeter firearm. What is happening in this courtroom is a grave injustice.”
The victims, Sisco, 47, and Harkness, 53, were found shot multiple times with a 9mm handgun in Harkness’ home in Topeka, Kansas. Though initially questioned, Chandler wasn’t charged immediately. Suspicion stemmed from repeated allegations of harassment toward Sisco after a contentious divorce and custody battle.
Early Investigations and Media Coverage
The case has drawn nationwide media attention, including regular coverage from “48 Hours” since 2008. Families of the victims met with law enforcement over the years, launching independent efforts to uncover new evidence, though the murder weapon was never located.
At the time, Shawnee County District Attorney Robert Hecht claimed there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.
This changed in 2011 when newly elected DA Chad Taylor reopened the case. Chandler was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. In 2012, a jury convicted her, and she received a life sentence.
Conviction Overturned Due to Prosecutorial Misconduct
In a dramatic turn, Chandler’s conviction was overturned in 2018 by the Kansas Supreme Court, citing prosecutorial misconduct by Jacqie Spradling, who was found to have made misleading and fabricated statements. Spradling was later disbarred for her actions.
However, the court ruled there was enough evidence to retry Chandler, placing the decision in the hands of new DA Mike Kagay, who moved forward with a second trial.
Second Trial Ends in Hung Jury
During her second trial in 2022, Chandler’s legal team, led by attorney Tom Bath, emphasized the absence of DNA, fingerprints, or physical evidence placing her at the scene. Prosecutor Charles Kitt acknowledged the lack of forensics but cited jealousy and obsession as motives.
The trial ended in a hung jury—seven jurors voted to convict, while five voted to acquit. Chandler was released on GPS monitoring and a reduced bond, pending a third trial.
Third Trial Begins with Chandler Representing Herself
In February 2025, Chandler’s third trial began in Pottawatomie County, after a change of venue. On the day of opening statements, Chandler dismissed her attorneys and chose to represent herself.
Both of Chandler’s children, Hailey Seel and Dustin Sisco, testified for the prosecution. They had previously expressed their belief that their mother was responsible for the murders of their father and his girlfriend. Chandler cross-examined them during the proceedings.
She took the stand in her own defense, delivering approximately 20 hours of testimony over seven days. She reiterated her claim of innocence, stating she had no connection to the crime scene and had never owned a 9mm firearm.
Verdict and Sentencing
The jury deliberated for just under four hours before delivering a guilty verdict. Hailey Seel expressed relief following the decision, but emphasized the need to refocus attention on the victims. In an interview with “48 Hours,” she said, “I hope that from here out the victims and the families can be remembered more.”
Chandler Plans to Appeal
Chandler is now pursuing an appeal of her conviction. Despite multiple requests, she has not provided a public comment to the media. “48 Hours” also attempted to reach her for response but received no reply.
The Dana Chandler case stands as a tragic and complex legal saga that has spanned over two decades, involved multiple trials, and led to national media attention.
While the final verdict may offer some closure for the victims’ families, the lingering impact of the case continues to spark conversations about justice, prosecutorial conduct, and the emotional toll on families.