Slayer’s Guardian Requests Money from Victim’s Estate

Joseph C. McAndrew Jr. stands accused of fatally stabbinghis parents and twin brother with a sword. His court-appointed guardian is now requesting money from his deadmother’s $1 million estate in order to pay for his mental health treatment.

Guardian Joseph J. Hylan argues that providing McAndrew “withaccess to the estate would advance the presumptive intent of his parents,” whopaid for their son’s mental health treatment throughout his life.  He maintains $250,000 is needed to pay fortreatment and a “cure” from psychiatrists. 

The court-appointed administrator of the mother’s estate,Mary Jane Barrett, opposes Hylan’s request and argues the funds must be held inescrow until McAndrew is found not guilty or the charges dismissed.  

Under Pennsylvania’s Slayer Act, killers cannot receive anybenefit as a result of the victim’s death. If convicted of first-degree murder, prosecutors will seek the deathpenalty against McAndrew. 

See Carl HesslerJr., Upper Merion Man Accused of KillingParents Wants Dead Mom’s Estate to Pay for His Psychiatrist, The TimesHerald, Sept. 26, 2013.