Woman Gets 61 Years For Sledgehammer Attack On Ex-Husband, Wife

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (STMW) -- A former Mundelein woman who attacked her ex-husband and his wife with a sledgehammer as they lay asleep in their beds 10 years ago was sentenced to 61 years in prison Thursday.

A jury convicted Sandra Rogers of home invasion, attempted murder and solicitation of murder in February for the May 19, 2003 attack, the News-Sun is reporting.

Rogers, 56, bludgeoned her ex-husband Rick Rogers with a slegehammer to the head and smashed the face of her ex-husband's wife, Angela Gloria, multiple times.

"It is unbelievable and miraculous that (the victims) are still alive. There is nothing a court can do to take away that pain and suffering," Circuit Judge John Phillips said.

He sentenced Rogers to 15 years in prison for the solicitation of murder charge, 24 years in prison for the attempted murder of Angela Gloria and 22 years in prison for the attempted murder of Rick Rogers. All the sentences are to be served consecutively, totaling 61.

Rogers will get credit for the 10 years she has been behind bars.

Rogers manipulated co-defendant Jonathan McMeekin, then 17, into using drugs and sex to help her carry out the attack, according to prosecutors.

"We are very happy with the sentence, ... given the horrific nature of the crime ... it was just and fair and that's all we were asking for the family," Assistant State's Attorney Danielle Pascucci said after the sentencing.

Defense attorney Gillian Gosch said her client persisted in her innocence.

"Miss Rogers is of course very sorry for what happened to (the victims)," Gosch said.

Both victims and their daughter Robin were present at the sentencing.

"Rick and (his wife) and their family are thankful that justice has finally been served," they said in a written statement issued through their attorney, Chris Kennedy, after the hearing.

"They wish to express their gratitude to the dedicated police officers and prosecutors who worked so hard to see that Sandra Rogers was brought to justice for her vicious crimes. Rick and (his wife) also wish to thank the judge and members of the jury for their service. They are looking forward to putting this behind them and rebuilding their lives."

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)