Murder plots, arson and insulin

ANAHUAC— After six days of testimony from 33 witnesses, detailing a murder plot, house fires and the intricacies of diabetes, Sarah Hartsfield was found guilty of murdering her husband and given a life sentence.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Hartsfield, 50, was found guilty of killing her husband, Joseph Hartsfield, 46, in the 253rd District Court with Judge Chap Cain III presiding. The jury determined the penalty the following morning.

Joseph, who had Type 1 diabetes, was hospitalized at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital on Jan. 7, 2023, due to hypoglycemia, and died about a week later.

Testimony from medical professionals at Houston Methodist and from Joseph’s physicians and family revealed he had a deep fear of low blood sugar and was known to be noncompliant with administering his prescribed insulin.

Medical professionals also noted the rarity in which someone doesn’t quickly recover from treatments for hypoglycemia, with some saying they never experience it, resulting in death.

Testimony from a few witnesses, including FBI Agent John Anderson, revealed an investigation centering around an alleged murder plot where Hartsfield hired ex-boyfriend David George to kill Heather Donohue, Hartsfield’s ex-husband Christopher Donohue’s wife, though she was never charged.

Cody Smith, Hartsfield’s brother, and Brian Altis, Hartsfield’s former partner, testified about separate house fires with unusual circumstances.

Titus Knoernschild and his wife, Angela Knoernschild, testified that one night they smelled gasoline, and when Angela went to investigate, she saw Hartsfield leaving the property.

Hartsfield was not charged with arson in any of the cases.

Just before the jury began deliberating punishment, they heard testimony from Joseph and Hartsfield’s families.

Hartsfield’s three daughters, Ashley, Hannah and Emma Donohue, described instances of physical and emotional abuse, and Joseph’s family reiterated the loss they felt.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, defense attorney Case Darwin argued for a lesser punishment, and Chambers County Assistant District Attorney Mallory Vargas argued for a life sentence.

Joseph’s family, Hartsfield’s three daughters, and Hartsfield's foster mother were present.

During the defense’s closing, Darwin noted Hartsfield’s age and her 20 years of service in the Army, including her service in Iraq in a combat zone.

“She does need time to think about what she’s done. She does need time to read that Bible she’s been toting around,” Darwin said, adding that she should still be able to see her children in her older years.

The defense tried to lay out details of childhood trauma in an effort to explain some of the possible actions of Hartsfield.

Vargas detailed the traumas she often sees in victims through her work, adding, “The defendant isn’t like those victims.”

Vargas argued that Hartsfield warped the core memories Helen and Jeannie Hartsfield had of their son and brother.

Vargas said Helen has to live with knowing her son was “in the hospital alone with the person that is responsible for this,” and Jeannie would have to live with the knowledge that “the defendant made his worst fears a reality.”

“She inflicts this intense trauma on almost everyone close to her,” Vargas said before asking the jury to give Hartsfield a life sentence.

After deliberating for about half an hour, the jury came back with a life sentence for Hartsfield. Under Texas law, she will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.

When Joseph’s family was given the chance to speak to Hartsfield, she remained facing forward.

“You are a truly despicable, manipulative monster,” Jeannie said. “You didn’t defeat us. We keep him alive in our memories.”

Jeannie addressed Hartsfield’s daughters, saying she was sorry for what they endured.

“This isn’t just justice for Joe; this is justice for everyone,” Jeannie said.

Helen declined to give a statement.

After the court adjourned, District Attorney Cheryl Lieck Henry commended her team and investigators for their work on the case and thanked the jury for their service.

“To the law enforcement and prosecutors at other jurisdictions, I hope, now that we have done all the work for you, you will seek justice for the many other victims of this psychopath,” Lieck Henry said.

When asked about Hartsfield’s demeanor, Vargas said over the course of the trial, “the facade wore off,” noting her glares at witnesses and forgetting her Bible.

“We respect and accept the jury’s verdict,” Darwin said.

Sheriff Brian Hawthorne praised Vargas, as well as Houston Methodist staff and Chambers County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Hartsfield left the courthouse under the custody of the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, and from there, she will be under the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.