Jonathan Tyrrell, 54, formerly of the 1200 Block of Chestnut Street of Harrisburg, was sentenced today by Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Deborah E.Curcillo to 50-100 years in a state correctional facility.  Tyrrell was convicted of Rape of a Child with Serious Bodily Injury; Unlawful Contact with a Minor; and Corruption of Minors after a jury trial in July of 2016.  The victim, who was 8 years of age at the time of the rape, described the assault in her testimony at trial. She also relived the aftermath which required her to receive reconstructive surgery at  Harrisburg Hospital.  The child was not present for the sentencing, but wrote a letter to Judge Curcillo stating in part: “I think he should stay in jail for two reasons: 1. So he can’t hurt anyone else. 2. He said that he’d kill me if I ever told anyone about him hurting me.”  Tyrrell was facing a minimum of at least 25 years in prison due to a prior conviction for rape of an adult in New York in 1983.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Gettle, who prosecuted the case, applauded the efforts of Det. John O’Connor, and Det. Quentin Kennedy, of the Harrisburg City Police Department; Tricia Deatrick and Erika Martel, of Dauphin County Children and Youth Services; and Sue Kolanda, of the Dauphin County DA’s Office:  “Their team effort to investigate this case, ensured that this offender would be held accountable for his horrific crimes.  The Court’s sentence today will ensure that the defendant will serve the remainder of his lifetime behind bars.”