Fenton’s Murder Conviction Upheld
A recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Superior Court has confirmed the murder conviction of Anthony Fenton, who was found guilty in 2024 of killing Tammy Prosser in Bradford in 2021. The court’s decision comes after Fenton appealed several pretrial rulings, including the admission of his statements to the police during an interview with Bradford City Police Chief Michael Ward and Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling.
During the interview, Fenton claimed that Prosser had fallen down the stairs and later died from her injuries. However, surveillance footage and witness testimony contradicted his account. A Tops supermarket employee testified that Prosser appeared uninjured when she visited the store, and an expert retained by the District Attorney’s Office found that the stairwell layout and Prosser’s injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Medical professionals from Buffalo, New York, and the Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) also described Prosser’s injuries as consistent with inflicted trauma, rather than accidental.
The Superior Court rejected all of Fenton’s claims, finding that he never clearly requested an attorney during the interview. The court cited Pennsylvania law, which requires suspects to clearly invoke their right to counsel. The court also denied Fenton’s challenges related to search warrants, the admission of Prosser’s diary, prior threats he made, and testimony from a former girlfriend.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer praised the work of detectives Yingling and Ward, saying that they conducted a legally sound and effective interview with Fenton. She also recognized the contributions of local paramedics, BRMC nurses, and community members who provided critical testimony. The district attorney also appealed the sentencing, arguing that Fenton was improperly credited for time served in jail before trial. The Superior Court agreed and reduced Fenton’s credit by 540 days.
The case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the need for law enforcement to balance the need for information with the rights of suspects. It also underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals and communities. For those affected by domestic violence, resources are available, including the YWCA in Bradford, which can be reached at (888) 822-6325.
