CASSOPOLIS — Described as both “pure evil” and “the state line slasher,” Elkhart resident Joseph Alan Craigo was sentenced Friday in Cass Circuit Court to a mandatory term of life in prison without the chance for parole for killing his father last year.

Craigo, 33, of Graywood Avenue in Elkhart, was found guilty of first-degree murder and three other felony counts after a jury trial in mid-August. The incident occurred March 27, 2017, at his parents’ home on Stateline Road in Mason Township near Union.

Craigo stabbed his father, Alan Craigo, 11 times after the two got into a confrontation when the elder Craigo refused to give his son two vehicles. Joseph Craigo also threatened his mother, Ellen, after attacking and killing his father.

Craigo’s sister, Laura Marshall, spoke before the sentencing and described how the tragedy had affected the family.

“We will never be over it,” she said. “My mother has never recovered. She’s here physically, but her mind’s not here … I’m scared she’ll give up on life and slip away in depression. … Joe has never showed any emotion. He’s pure evil.”

She continued to describe the impact her brother’s actions have had on her family.

“We didn’t know the extent of dad’s injuries until the (trial’s) closing arguments when we learned he had been stabbed over and over,” Marshall said. “My mom said she loves [Joseph Craigo] but can’t forgive him. Right now, I have no feelings for him. He’s damaged so many people’s lives.”

Assistant Prosecutor Tiffiny Vohwinkle read Ellen Craigo’s victim impact statement into the record, with her description of her husband as “a quiet man with big heart” and how the couple were planning to live quietly and enjoy their retirement.

“What greater depravity than to kill your father?” Vohwinkle asked. “He’s the state line slasher. He stabbed his father at least 11 times, even across his throat. His mother will never have that image out of her mind, how her son killed her husband, then went after her and even tried to blame her. Life without parole is justice for his actions.”

Defense attorney James Miller called it a situation where the tragedy cannot be undone. “Mr. Craigo has indicated that he did love his father, that he feels remorse and will continue to feel guilt for the rest of his life,” he said. “This episode is as an egregious event for him and his family as anything.”

Craigo apologized to his family when it was his turn to speak.

“No apology I can give will make it right,” he said. “I have talked to my mom and apologized to her. I just pray that they don’t hold onto this bitterness for themselves. I don’t ask for forgiveness. I love you all. I’m sorry.”

Cass Circuit Judge Mark Herman noted that Craigo had been on a meth binge two days prior to the incident and came to his parents’ house to get items he could sell for drugs.

“You got into an altercation with your father, and he followed you into the bedroom,” the judge said. “You came out and grabbed the phone away from your mother as your father came out of the bedroom bleeding. He was stabbed 11 times, but you claimed self-defense. Your version is far from convincing.

“I believe you are remorseful and carry guilt, and I think you understand the impact this has had on your mother, but you still do not accept responsibility,” he added. “In your last version of what happened, you claimed your father had molested you as a child. Your story changes and changes and changes. This is a tragic outcome to the use of drugs.”

In addition to the life without parole prison sentence for the first-degree murder conviction, Craigo was sentenced to a term of seven to 20 years for carrying a weapon with unlawful intent as a habitual offender as well as credit for time served, 536 days, for assault with a dangerous weapon and interfering with electronic communication.

Craigo must pay $1,684 in fines and costs and $2,998 in restitution. Herman ordered Craigo to have no contact with his mother.

“You’ve caused her enough grief, she needs the chance to live the rest of her life in peace,” he said.