Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s mandatory life sentence for 2nd-degree murder denies redemption, former inmate says
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — As a young man on the streets of Homewood, Robby Wideman was bound for trouble. At just 24, he got involved in a robbery gone wrong. Things went south when his accomplice shot and killed the victim, and Wideman went to prison for life without the possibility of parole, even though he didn’t pull the trigger.
“I was involved in a man getting killed. I didn’t kill him. Didn’t expect it to happen. I was in that lifestyle. So, I don’t say, ‘oh, I should have never went to prison.’ Yeah, I should went to prison for what I did, but for life?” he said.
Like more than 1,000 other state inmates serving life for second-degree murder, Wideman was given a future without hope. Opponents call it death by incarceration — a punishment both cruel and unusual and a violation of both the state and U.S. constitutions, denying an inmate any chance of redemption.
“It discourages a man from trying to change almost. I know you can understand that. In some way it makes sense. Why should I? You tell me I’m never going home,” Wideman said.
But now the state Supreme Court will hear the case that may change that. This fall, it will take up the sentencing of another local young man involved in a similar robbery gone bad.
Even though Derek Lee did not pull the trigger in a homicide in the city’s West End ten years ago, he’s serving mandatory life. His attorneys are asking the courts to declare the sentence unconstitutional, allow Lee to be re-sentenced and open the door for others.
Wideman says not only would the state save about $50,000 a year for housing each inmate, communities would benefit from the re-entry of reformed inmates.
“If the court overturns second-degree murder and quits putting people in prison who didn’t kill anyone, society is going to win,” Wideman said.
Even though he had no chance at freedom, Wideman did change for the good. In prison, he quit drugs and alcohol, became a counselor to other inmates and earned a degree. His struggle became the subject of the book “Brothers and Keepers” — a memoir by his brother John Edgar Wideman, the nationally renowned Pittsburgh novelist. Finally, after 44 years in prison, then-Gov. Tom Wolf commuted Wideman’s sentence.
Today, Wideman runs a three-quarter house for former inmates, giving them a place to live, job training and the support they need to re-enter society. Wideman says he is dedicating the rest of his life to using his hard-won experience and wisdom to help others. His hope is that lifers like him will someday get parole and join the others.
“Trying to help people. For me, that’s what it’s about. That’s what it’s about. I made a promise to the guys that I left behind that I would and I’m trying my best to hold up my word,” he said.
This case is expected to go in front of the state Supreme Court in October, but Gov. Josh Shapiro has already weighed in, filing a surprise brief asking the court to declare these mandatory sentences unconstitutional.
The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Wednesday, May 6, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from May 6 drawing
18-27-51-65-68, Powerball: 05, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 2 numbers from May 6 drawing
Day: 8-6, Wild: 9
Evening: 8-2, Wild: 5
Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 6 drawing
Day: 7-3-8, Wild: 9
Evening: 1-7-9, Wild: 5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 6 drawing
Day: 5-6-3-1, Wild: 9
Evening: 0-3-0-0, Wild: 5
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 6 drawing
Day: 6-6-5-5-5, Wild: 9
Evening: 0-5-8-0-6, Wild: 5
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from May 6 drawing
04-19-26-32-40
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from May 6 drawing
07-08-19-21-25
Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from May 6 drawing
02-19-20-38-39-48
Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from May 6 drawing
04-21-36-48-69, Powerball: 05
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 6 drawing
06-18-30-32-43, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
- Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
- Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
- Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
- Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.
When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
- Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
- Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
- Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Pennsylvania
Woman extradited from Pennsylvania, charged with murder after deadly 2024 Waterbury shooting
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — A 19-year-old Waterbury woman was extradited from Pennsylvania in connection with the fatal shooting of a 38-year-old man in 2024, according to Waterbury police.
Desire Aitken was arrested on Friday and charged with murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, illegal discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit and first-degree assault.
She was charged in connection with the death of 38-year-old Keno Williams of Waterbury, who was pronounced dead after receiving a gunshot wound to the back of his head on Jan. 30, 2024.
On the day of his death, police responded to Bertie’s Restaurant around 7:49 p.m. regarding a motor vehicle crash. They found that the car had drove through the parking lot and backyard area of a nearby home, where it struck several objects before coming to a stop.
Williams was found with a gunshot wound to the back of his head and succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Aitken, who was a juvenile at the time of the alleged shooting, was found in Pennsylvania on April 10 and taken into custody. She was extradited and served with an arrest warrant in Waterbury on Friday.
She’s being held on a $2 million bond.
FARRELL, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Sherry Buchanan, 87, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, May 4, 2026, in UPMC Jameson Hospital, New Castle.
Mrs. Buchanan was born on May 6, 1938, in Barkeyville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Marion L. (Stanley) Smock.
Her husband, James Eugene Buchanan, whom she married on February 5, 1954, passed away on August 12, 2014.
A dedicated homemaker, Sherry loved to cook, crochet and watch wildlife in her backyard. Her life revolved around her family and her children. When her children were in school, she was highly involved in the Jefferson Elementary School PTA, and was the Past-President. Sherry also had a passion for fishing and bird watching. In her free time, she relaxed by reading and doing puzzles.
She is survived by four daughters, Jamie Dobrozdravic, Cyndi Buchanan, Regina Scott, all of Florida, and Karen Spehn (Jack), of Arizona; three sons, Robin Buchanan (Pam), of Alabama, Gregg Buchanan, of Greenville, Pennsylvania, and Jeffrey Buchanan (Sue Ann), of Farrell; 12 grandchildren, Geno, Jeffrey, Amy, Todd, Heidi, Ryan, Shana, Tyler, Spencer, John, William, and Jeffrey, Jr.; several great-grandchildren; and a dedicated niece, Joy Hayden.
In addition to her parents and husband, Sherry was preceded in death by a son, James Buchanan, Jr.; a son-in-law, Paul Dobrozdravic; and a sister, Jerry Thompson.
The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, at 2599 Broadway Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; or ASPCA, at www.ASPCA.org
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 9, 2026 in the chapel of Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2619 East State St., Hermitage. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com
Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Arrangements are being handled by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sherry W. Buchanan, please visit our flower store.
A television tribute will air Wednesday, May 6 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
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