The trial of Arthur Schirmer, profiled here, is just getting underway. The former Methodist pastor stands accused of murdering his wife. The case looks pretty tight. I think Schirmer is just a few weeks from a long visit to prison.
Opening statements are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. today in the trial of Schirmer, 64, the former pastor of Reeders United Methodist Church in Jackson Township accused of murdering his second wife, Betty Jean Schirmer, 56, in 2008. Authorities contend he loaded the dying woman into the couple's 2007 P.T. Cruiser and staged a low-speed car crash on state Route 715 to help substantiate what the Monroe County District Attorney's office holds was nothing more than an elaborate cover story.
The trial may last as long as three weeks, and some 40 witnesses are expected to take the stand. Meanwhile, Schirmer is also awaiting trial in Lebanon County for the 1999 murder of his first wife, Jewel Schirmer, 50.
Source: Trial begins today for Monroe County pastor accused of murdering his wife. By Denis J. O'Malley
Schirmer may have killed his first wife too.
Cases like this one allow me to build a body of evidence to refute the notions the pastors are holy men, and that being a Christian makes one moral. Both assertions are nonsense. Pastors who murder are a rare breed, but Schirmer is not unique. There are many others. In most cases like this, sex and infidelity are often the motive. It is true in this case.
State Police Trooper William Maynard's investigation into the suicide quickly discovered that Musante's wife, Cindy Musante, 47, was involved in an extramarital affair with her boss and pastor, Arthur Schirmer.
The good man of God was banging his secretary at the time of his wife's death. His secretary's husband killed himself on the pastor's desk. Move along folks. There is nothing to see here.
Schirmer is also charged in the death of first wife. Pastors… pft.
