Norman Pennington Gets Life For Killing Anthony Decenzo

A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering an 83-year-old he swindled out of $30,000, Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele announced on Friday, July 11.

Norman Fred Pennington, 67, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder in the April 2024 killing of Anthony Decenzo.

Norman Fred Pennington, 67, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder in the April 2024 killing of Anthony Decenzo, a retired father and grandfather from Brownsville. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole immediately following the verdict.

Decenzo had last been seen leaving his home around 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, to look at real estate. He never returned.

His family reported him missing the next morning. By late Saturday, troopers found Decenzo dead inside his 2011 white Cadillac STS along Riffle Hollow Road in German Township. The Fayette County Coroner said he had been shot twice in the head.

According to Aubele, investigators learned Decenzo had given Pennington $30,000 for what he believed was a joint investment opportunity. In truth, Pennington never intended to repay the money or pursue any business venture.

Cellphone data tracked Decenzo’s phone to Pennington’s property and later to the scene where the body was found. Pennington later confessed to killing Decenzo in his own driveway and then moving the body and vehicle.

Pennington was also convicted of Felony Possession of a Firearm Prohibited and Misdemeanor Tampering With Evidence. At the time of the killing, Pennington, a convicted felon, was not allowed to have a gun.

His criminal history spans decades, including convictions for Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Forgery, Theft, and DUI, according to court records.