Sarah Jo Pender was born on May 29, 1979, in Indiana, United States. She grew up in a suburban area and attended Lawrence Central High School. She was a student there until she graduated in 1997. After high school, she enrolled at Purdue University but did not complete her studies.

Following her time at university, Sarah worked as a secretary at a company called Carl E. Most and Sons. During this period, she became involved with Richard Hull, who had a criminal background with several misdemeanors and felony convictions. Their relationship became a significant part of her life.

In her early twenties, Sarah faced challenges as she navigated adulthood. She had moments of struggle that likely influenced her choices and relationships. After being in a relationship with Hull and dealing with the dynamics of living with two roommates, Sarah's life took a drastically different turn, leading to serious legal issues.

On October 24, 2000, Sarah Jo Pender and her boyfriend, Richard Hull, were involved in the murders of their roommates, Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman. Tension had been building between Hull and Cataldi leading up to the violence. Earlier that day, Hull asked Pender to buy a shotgun for him, which she did. The couple had dinner with Pender's parents and returned home later that evening. Shortly after arriving, Pender took a walk outside.

While Pender was away, an argument erupted between Hull and Cataldi about money. During this heated exchange, Cataldi attempted to retrieve the shotgun from Hull’s room. A physical confrontation ensued, during which Hull shot Cataldi and Nordman, who was also in the apartment. When Pender came back, she found both victims dead. Hull had already placed one body in a truck to help dispose of them.

The couple drove a short distance and dumped the bodies in a dumpster. The following day, while Pender went to work, Hull cleaned up the crime scene. The police soon launched an investigation after discovering the bodies. Detectives found blood evidence in Pender and Hull's residence, which led to their arrests.

Hull confessed to the murders and implicated Pender as being involved in their planning and execution. Pender, however, denied direct involvement in the killings. In her subsequent trial, she faced serious charges, although no physical evidence directly linked her to the murders. She was found guilty and sentenced to 110 years in prison.

In 2008, she escaped from Rockville Correctional Center with the help of a prison guard and a former cellmate. After a nationwide search, authorities apprehended her just a few months later in Chicago. Pender has continued to fight for her innocence and has sought appeals regarding her conviction, citing new evidence that could affect the verdict.