Churchville Man Sentenced To Life In Prison In Stabbing Death Of Ex-Girlfriend

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Trevor Christopher Weigel was sentenced on Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by an additional 5 to 20 years, for the February 2024, murder of 19-year-old Jaden Battista of Lower Makefield.

The sentence, handed down by Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller, marks the conclusion of a case that has devastated the local community.

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Weigel, 25, of Churchville, was convicted in January on charges of first-degree murder, burglary, possession of an instrument of crime, and attempted kidnapping.

Throughout his trial, prosecutors argued that the killing was a premeditated act fueled by rage and obsession after Battista ended the couple’s short-lived relationship.

The prosecution reconstructed the events of Feb. 16, 2024, showing that Weigel left his job at a Warminster manufacturing plant and drove 30 minutes to Battista’s home while leaving a series of increasingly desperate voicemails demanding to know why she had blocked his number and social media accounts.

Prosecutors told the jury Battista was barefoot and wearing "Care Bear" pajamas when Weigel forced his way through her first-floor bedroom window.

While Battista was on a FaceTime call with a friend, she was forced outside to Weigel’s red Mustang in an attempted kidnapping. When she resisted and ran toward a responding Lower Makefield police officer for safety, Weigel tackled her and stabbed her 14 times.

Police were initially dispatched to a report of a burglary in progress in the 2500 block of Waterford Road at 2:22 p.m. The prosecution presented body camera footage that captured the attack and life-saving measures by first responders. The video showed Battista’s final pleas for help, as she gasped for breath in the street.

During Tuesday's sentencing hearing, the judge heard emotional testimony from Jaden’s family and friends, who described a kind, compassionate young woman who loved animals, especially her dog, Tater, and her black cat, Socks.

Jaden’s mother read two statements to the court, her own and one written by Jaden's father.

“Jaden was a gentle soul in a world that was far too cruel to her,” she read. “She didn’t deserve this — no one does — but especially not someone who brought so much kindness, love, and light into the world.”

Her mother's statement described the unrelenting grief of losing a child and the profound impact on Jaden’s two younger sisters, who must now grow up without their big sister’s guidance and protection.

“There is an emptiness in our home and in my heart that can never be filled," she told the court.

Deputy District Attorney Alan J. Garabedian read a statement from Jaden’s best friend, who was on the phone with her at the time of the attack and had to call 911.

The friend described Jaden as a “bright soul” who brought light to everyone who knew her. “Losing my best friend has left a hole in my heart that can never truly be filled,” the statement read.

District Attorney Joe Khan said that while the sentence provides a measure of legal finality, the loss remains immeasurable.

“Trevor Weigel stole a future full of dreams and love. Today, the justice system ensured he will never have the opportunity to take another life,” said District Attorney Khan. “Our hearts remain with the loved ones of Jaden Battista, who have shown incredible strength through this nightmare.”