What does six months in prison do to a 68-year old man?
We got our answer Thursday, when convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky arrived in court to watch his lawyers argue that he deserves a new trial.
His presence was not- strictly speaking- necessary, as the defense argued they had insufficient time to prepare for the June, 2012 proceedings.
But it gave Sandusky a rare chance to spend a day outside prison walls. And that seemed to put a spring in his step.
"He was in good spirits today," said attorney Norris Gelman, hired to lead Sandusky's appeal. "He's doing very well. He's resilient. And he's handling prison nicely."
Sandusky spends 23 hours a day alone in his cell at the maximum security state prison in Greene county, in Pennsylvania's southwestern corner.
Gelman told reporters he has television privileges and is allowed two phone calls and one visit per month.
Inside the courtroom Thursday, Sandusky broke into a broad smile at the sight of his wife Dottie and several family friends.
But beneath his maroon Centre County prison wear (he was moved from SCI-Greene on Wednesday and spent Wednesday night at the county lock-up) Sandusky looked like a shell of the 67-year old former Penn State assistant football coach was who arrested just 14 months ago. Defense attorney Joe Amendola confirmed Sandusky has lost weight.
"I saw a changed man," said attorney Tom Kline, who represents one of Sandusky's victims and attended Thursday's hearing. "just in physical appearance alone. He is gaunt and frail, and very thin."
Sandusky will mark his 69th birthday later this month- January 26th, to be exact. It will be his first birthday behind bars- perhaps the first of many.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:01:38 GMT
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl. Some of the details are still a little twisted, reports
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:49 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:49:41 GMT
You could use fancy mowers, trimmers and clippers to rid your property of tall grass, weeds and invasive plants. Or you could bring in a team of living, breathing "specialists."
You could use fancy mowers, trimmers and clippers to rid your property of tall grass, weeds and invasive plants. Or you could bring in a team of living, breathing "specialists."
Thursday, May 9 2013 7:11 PM EDT2013-05-09 23:11:50 GMT
If the kids in Kate Gerhart's second-grade class at Friend's School Haverford in Delaware county look particularly happy, that's because this is payday. Students are rewarded for a week's worth of classroom
If the kids in Kate Gerhart's second-grade class at Friend's School Haverford in Delaware county look particularly happy, that's because this is payday. Students are rewarded for a week's worth of classroom
Monday, May 20 2013 10:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:24:20 GMT
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:40:41 GMT
It was a soupy start today. We can expect many clouds, some sun, lots of humidity, and a chance of pop up showers any time. At least it'll be warmer: High around 80-degrees today.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. Warm temps stick around, too. And we do mean stick...because it'll be humid, too.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:01:26 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Jerry Sandusky is seen as he arrives for his court hearing Thursday.
