HARRISBURG, PA — A Columbia County judge has formally denied a Post-Conviction Relief Act appeal from Michael Crimi, ensuring his 19-to-40-year prison sentence will stand for the 2017 murder of his then-girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter.
Crimi was convicted in 2021 of third-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child following an investigation by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Trial testimony revealed that Crimi beat the defenseless toddler to death shortly after Thanksgiving in 2017 while caring for her, driven by resentment toward the child and frustration over marital strain with her mother. Treating physicians noted extensive bruising across the girl’s entire body upon arrival at the hospital.
The court rejected Crimi's legal claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel, marking his latest failed attempt at post-conviction relief following a previous dismissal by the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Attorney General Dave Sunday commended Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Schmidt for handling the post-conviction proceedings, reaffirming that the ruling ensures justice remains served for the victim.
