Man Gets Life In Prison For Killing Girl, 19, In Lower Makefield

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — A Bucks County man faces life in prison without parole for killing a 19-year-old girl two years ago.

A Bucks County judge on Tuesday sentenced Trevor Christopher Weigel to life in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by an additional 5 to 20 years, in the February 2024 murder of 19-year-old Jaden Battista.

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Weigel, 25, of Churchville, was convicted in January 2026 of first-degree murder, burglary, possession of an instrument of crime, and attempted kidnapping, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.

The sentencing hearing included statements from Battista's family and friends describing the impact of her death.

“Jaden was a gentle soul in a world that was far too cruel to her,” her mother said. “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 grief of losing a child and the effect on Jaden's two younger sisters, according to the district attorney's office. “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 also read a statement from Jaden's best friend, who was on the phone with her at the time of the attack and called 911, according to the release.

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

Police Chief Joseph Kelly issued a statement after the sentencing.

“Our hearts go out to the Battista family on this difficult day," Kelly said. "We are grateful to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and the Bucks County Detectives who worked diligently alongside Lower Makefield Police Officers and Detectives in this investigation and during the criminal prosecution.”

(Bucks County District Attorney's Office)