Bio

Ernest R. Wholaver Jr. was born in 1960. He grew up in a family that included his younger brother, Scott. The family lived in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Ernest's early life is not well-documented, but he later became known for his work in a trucking company.

In July 2002, Ernest faced serious legal troubles when he was charged with multiple sexual offenses involving his daughters, Victoria and Elizabeth. Jean, his wife, took steps to protect their children from him. She obtained a court order under the Protection From Abuse Act, which required him to leave their home in Middletown. The order also prohibited him from owning or using firearms.

After his eviction, Ernest moved in with his parents and brother in Cambria County. During this time, his marriage to Jean was deteriorating. The situation became more complicated due to the sexual assault charges against him.

Ernest's relationship with his daughters was strained because of the legal issues. At the same time, Jean was trying to keep them safe from him. She likely wanted to create a stable environment for Victoria and Elizabeth, both of whom were at critical stages in their lives.

As Christmas approached in December 2002, the family dynamics were tense. Ernest's troubles had caused a significant rift between him and his family. The day before Christmas, he and his brother traveled from Cambria County to Middletown. Their trip would mark a turning point in their lives and result in severe consequences for the entire family.

Murder Story

On December 24, 2002, Ernest R. Wholaver Jr. committed a series of murders that shocked the community in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Shortly after midnight, he traveled to his estranged wife's home with his brother, Scott. While Scott waited in the car, Ernest entered the house by cutting off telephone and other wires. Inside, he shot and killed his wife Jean, who was 43, and their two daughters, Victoria, 20, and Elizabeth, 15. He left the body of his granddaughter, Madison, who was only nine months old, unharmed but alone.

After the murders, Ernest and Scott drove to Clearfield County. There, Ernest discarded the pistol used in the murders along with a shotgun and other evidence suggesting his involvement. The bodies of his family were discovered approximately thirty hours later when they did not arrive for a planned Christmas dinner. Madison was found next to her mother, alive but crying.

Two days after the murders, police arrested Ernest Wholaver. He faced several charges including three counts of first-degree murder. The case drew significant attention, and before the trial, Scott Wholaver pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and agreed to testify against his brother. He provided evidence that helped link Ernest to the crime and described their actions on that night.

During the trial, the prosecutor presented various testimonies and evidence, including the confession by Scott. There were attempts to prove that Ernest had conspired to kill a man related to the family issue. In addition to murder, Ernest was charged with other crimes, including burglary and recklessness for endangering his granddaughter.

On August 31, 2004, he was found guilty of all counts and sentenced to death. His appeals were denied, and he remained on death row at SCI-Greene. The case remains a tragic reminder of the violent events that can occur within families.