Daijiworld Media Network- New York
New York, May 22: In a horrifying case that has shocked the nation, a New York man, Drew Garnier (33), has pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of his pregnant wife and the attempted murder of his two young daughters after learning they were expecting another girl.
The incident, which took place in 2024 at the family's residence in Masonville, Delaware County, left the community reeling with grief and disbelief. Garnier fatally stabbed his 29-year-old wife, Samantha, who was five months pregnant with the couple’s third daughter. The savage attack also left their daughters Izzie (6) and Adelina (9) with life-threatening injuries.
According to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Garnier admitted in court that he was driven to violence upon discovering that the unborn child was a girl—his third daughter. The tragic revelation reportedly enraged Garnier, leading to the shocking act of domestic violence.
Samantha’s devastated father, Gregory Vernagallo, who has since taken custody of the two surviving girls, delivered an emotional statement in court:
“He wanted a boy. He killed my daughter because she was carrying a girl. I am their father now. I will protect them.”
The attack took place just weeks before Samantha's 30th birthday. The New York State Police confirmed that Garnier was arrested on September 5, 2024, when officers responded to a distress call at the family's Centerville home. All three female victims were found stabbed multiple times and rushed to hospitals.
On March 25, 2025, Garnier pleaded guilty to first-degree homicide and two counts of first-degree assault, both Class B violent felonies. As per the plea agreement, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.
In a rare legal provision, Garnier has also been barred from having any contact with his daughters until 2056. However, the court has left room for the girls, once they reach adulthood, to override this restriction if they choose to reconnect with their father.
The DA’s office acknowledged that the plea deal, though controversial, was reached to spare the young survivors from the trauma of a prolonged trial. Authorities also confirmed that the two girls are recovering under the care of their grandfather, who has vowed to shield them from further harm.
This deeply disturbing case has ignited renewed calls for stronger domestic violence prevention measures and heightened awareness of gender-based violence across the United States.