Updated: Thursday April 30, 2026 at 8:50 a.m.
Trevor Weigel and his murderous jealousy fueled obsessions will never ever make contact with the free world outside the walls of a state penitentiary ever again.
Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller, sentenced Weigel Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by an additional 5 to 20 years, for the February 2024, murder of 19-year-old Jaden Battista.
Jaden’s mother read two powerful statements to the court, her own and one written by Jaden’s father. “Jaden was a gentle soul in a world that was far too cruel to her,” she read. “She didn’t deserve this — no one does — but especially not someone who brought so much kindness, love, and light into the world,” prosecutors said.
Deputy District Attorney Alan J. Garabedian read a statement from Jaden’s best friend, who was on the phone with her at the time of the attack and had to call 911. The friend described Jaden as a “bright soul” who brought light to everyone who knew her. “Losing my best friend has left a hole in my heart that can never truly be filled,” the statement said.
District Attorney Joe Khan emphasized that while the sentence provides a measure of legal finality, the loss remains immeasurable. “Trevor Weigel stole a future full of dreams and love. Today, the justice system ensured he will never have the opportunity to take another life,” said District Attorney Khan. “Our hearts remain with the loved ones of Jaden Battista, who have shown incredible strength through this nightmare.”
Original Story
A Bucks County Jury on Friday convicted Trevor Weigel of first degree murder for the slaying of his ex girlfriend 19-year-old Jaden Battista in Lower Makefield Township two years ago.
The conviction ensures that the Churchville man will face a mandatory sentence of life in prison when he goes before Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller for his sentencing hearing.
The jury took just over an hour to return a verdict, finding Weigel, 25, of Churchville, guilty of first-degree murder, burglary, criminal attempted kidnapping, possession of an instrument of crime, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, evading arrest, and disorderly conduct. Liller also found him guilty of a summary count of harassment, prosecutors said.
Throughout the trial, Deputy District Attorney Alan J. Garabedian argued that the cold-blooded killing was a premeditated act fueled by rage and obsession after Battista ended the couple’s short-lived relationship. The prosecution meticulously reconstructed the events of Feb. 16, 2024, showing that Weigel left his job at a Warminster manufacturing plant and drove thirty minutes to Battista’s home while leaving a series of increasingly desperate voicemails demanding to know why she had blocked his number and social media accounts, a spokesperson for the Bucks County DA’s Office said.
“If he couldn’t have her, nobody was going to have her,” Garabedian told jurors. “And he made sure of it.”
The jury heard and viewed harrowing testimony regarding the final moments of the victim’s life. Battista was barefoot and wearing “Care Bear” pajamas when Weigel forced his way through her first-floor bedroom window. While Battista was on a FaceTime call with a friend, she was forced outside to Weigel’s red Mustang in an attempted kidnapping. When she resisted and ran toward a responding Lower Makefield police officer for safety, Weigel tackled her and stabbed her 14 times.
Police were initially dispatched for a report of a burglary in progress in the 2500 block of Waterford Road at 2:22 p.m. that day.
The prosecution presented body camera footage that captured the attack and life-saving measures by first responders.
The video showed Battista’s final pleas for help, as she gasped for breath in the street.
The defense argued for a conviction of voluntary manslaughter rather than murder, claiming Weigel “snapped” after Battista allegedly confessed to infidelity. However, the prosecution successfully countered this narrative, pointing to cellphone data and voicemails proving Weigel’s mounting rage began long before he arrived at the residence.
Weigel took the stand on Thursday to testify in his own defense and claimed he and the victim first met in July 2023 and began a short relationship that twice ended with break-ups. He claimed they reconciled in February 2024, and the victim even accepted his marriage proposal following a Valentine’s Day dinner date.
Garabedian successfully cross-examined Weigel, finding holes in his testimony and proving the total absence of a ring or any evidence of a proposal.
The jury ultimately rejected Weigel’s claims of a “blind rage” reaction, instead siding with the prosecution’s evidence of a cold-blooded and intentional execution. Following the attack, Weigel attempted to take his own life by stabbing himself in the neck before leading police on a chase across a fence and onto I-295. He was apprehended shortly thereafter. A bloody knife was recovered from the scene.
“The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the Lower Makefield Township Police and the Bucks County Detectives,” District Attorney Joe Khan said. “Their rapid response and tireless commitment to a thorough investigation were essential in bringing this case to a just conclusion.
“We are also proud to recognize the dedicated work of Deputy District Attorney Alan J. Garabedian and Assistant District Attorney Jessica Frost, whose skilled prosecution ensured that justice was served for Jaden and her family.”
