Sarah Jo Pender gained notoriety following her conviction for the 2000 murders of her roommates, Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman. Her case has been the subject of media attention, books, and a television movie, with ongoing debates about the evidence and her role in the crimes.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Sarah Jo Pender |
|---|---|
| Known For | Criminal Case |
| Age | 45 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Date | May 29, 1979 |
| Birth Place | Indiana, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | 5’7" (estimated) |
| Net Worth | Unknown |
| Relationship Status | Single (Incarcerated) |
Early Life & Background
Sarah Jo Pender was born on May 29, 1979, in Indiana. Information about her early family life is limited in public records. She was raised in Indianapolis and attended Lawrence Central High School, from which she graduated in 1997. By all accounts, Pender had a relatively normal upbringing before the events that would later define her public image.
After graduating high school, Pender worked as a secretary for Carl E. Most and Sons, establishing herself in a stable job before her life took a dramatic turn. As a Gemini, Pender is born under a sign often associated with duality and adaptability—characteristics that would later be discussed in analyses of her case and personality.
The Criminal Case
In October 2000, the bodies of Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman were discovered in garbage bins in Indianapolis. Both victims had been shot to death. They were roommates of Sarah Pender and her boyfriend, Richard Hull, who were subsequently arrested and charged with the murders.
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The prosecution’s case against Pender was largely circumstantial, relying heavily on testimony from jailhouse informants and Hull himself. Prosecutors alleged that Pender had manipulated Hull into committing the murders, though she was not physically present when the shootings occurred. Hull had purchased the murder weapon shortly before the killings.
In 2002, after a trial that garnered local media attention, Pender was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to 110 years in prison. Hull also received a lengthy sentence for his role in the murders.
Prison Escape
Pender’s case gained national attention in 2008 when she orchestrated an escape from Rockville Correctional Facility. With the assistance of prison guard Scott Spitler, who was allegedly romantically involved with her, Pender managed to break out of the facility on August 4, 2008.
For 136 days, Pender remained a fugitive, living under an assumed identity in Chicago. Her time on the run came to an end when she was featured on the television show “America’s Most Wanted,” leading to her capture on December 20, 2008.
The escape added another dimension to Pender’s notoriety and resulted in additional charges and prison time. Scott Spitler, the corrections officer who aided her escape, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role.
Legal Controversies
The case against Sarah Pender has been the subject of ongoing controversy and debate. Some legal analysts and advocates have questioned the evidence used to convict her, particularly the reliability of jailhouse informant testimony. The prosecution’s portrayal of Pender as a manipulative mastermind who convinced Hull to commit murder has been challenged by those who believe she may have been wrongfully convicted.
In 2013, journalist Steve Miller published the book “Girl, Wanted: The Chase for Sarah Pender,” which explored the case in detail and raised questions about her conviction. The book brought renewed attention to potential issues with the evidence and trial.
Despite these controversies, Pender remains incarcerated at the Indiana Women’s Prison, continuing to serve her 110-year sentence.
Media Portrayals
Sarah Pender’s story attracted significant media attention, culminating in a 2013 Lifetime movie titled “She Made Them Do It.” In this dramatization, actress Jenna Dewan portrayed Pender, with the film focusing on both the murders and her subsequent prison escape.
The title of the movie reflects the prosecution’s narrative that Pender manipulated her boyfriend into committing the murders, though the film also acknowledges some of the controversies surrounding her conviction.
Beyond the movie, Pender’s case has been featured in various true crime television programs and podcasts, cementing her place in the public consciousness as a controversial figure in criminal justice.
Personal Life
Information about Sarah Pender’s personal relationships is limited, though her relationship with Richard Hull, her boyfriend at the time of the murders, features prominently in her case. Hull was a bouncer by profession and, according to court testimony, was directly responsible for shooting both victims.
Since her incarceration, details about Pender’s personal life have been largely private, with the exception of her alleged relationship with the corrections officer who aided her escape.
Current Status
As of 2025, Sarah Jo Pender remains incarcerated at the Indiana Women’s Prison. She continues to serve her 110-year sentence, with little likelihood of release in the foreseeable future. Now in her mid-40s, Pender has spent most of her adult life behind bars.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Pender graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 1997
- Before her conviction, she worked as a secretary for Carl E. Most and Sons
- Her prison escape in 2008 lasted 136 days before she was recaptured
- She was portrayed by actress Jenna Dewan in the Lifetime movie “She Made Them Do It”
- Her case has been covered in the book “Girl, Wanted: The Chase for Sarah Pender” by Steve Miller
- Pender has been called “the female Charles Manson” by some media outlets due to her alleged manipulation of others
Legacy and Impact
Sarah Pender’s case has contributed to broader discussions about several aspects of the criminal justice system, including the reliability of jailhouse informant testimony, the portrayal of female criminals in media, and prison security protocols following her escape.
For advocates of criminal justice reform, her case represents concerns about potential wrongful convictions based on circumstantial evidence and testimony from witnesses with incentives to cooperate with prosecutors.
FAQ
Is Sarah Jo Pender still in prison? Yes, as of 2025, she remains incarcerated at the Indiana Women’s Prison serving her 110-year sentence.
What crimes was Sarah Jo Pender convicted of? She was convicted of the murders of her roommates, Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman in 2000.
Did Sarah Pender escape from prison? Yes, she escaped from Rockville Correctional Facility in 2008 with the help of a prison guard and was recaptured after 136 days.
Who played Sarah Pender in the movie about her life? Actress Jenna Dewan portrayed Sarah Pender in the 2013 Lifetime movie “She Made Them Do It.”
Has Sarah Pender maintained her innocence? Yes, Pender has consistently maintained that she was not involved in planning the murders, though legal appeals have been unsuccessful.