Convicted killer gets life sentences upheld

A New Jersey appellate court Friday upheld the consecutive life sentences Frank E. McDonough is serving for the March 3, 1993, execution-style murders of Clayton Krause and Richard LeDonne in a motel room in Parsippany, N.J.

Krause, of Level Green, and LeDonne, of Shaler, were staying at the motel during the week while they worked at a construction site in New York City.

McDonough claimed in his appeal that jurors should not have heard about search and arrest warrants because it could taint their verdict if they heard that a judge thought there was enough evidence for the warrants.

In 1996, after a month-long trial McDonough was found guilty of both murders and sentenced to consecutive life terms. McDonough must serve at least 55 years in New Jersey before the former plumber is eligible to return to Pennsylvania to begin serving a life sentence with no parole for the 1992 killing of Robert T. Gales.

McDonough, who was having an affair with LeDonne's wife, Michelle, killed Richard LeDonne because he was afraid the man had discovered the infidelity.

Michelle LeDonne, who testified against McDonough in the hotel slayings, received a 10-year prison term in New Jersey for her part in the killings.

After the murder, McDonough moved in with Michelle LeDonne, who received $600,000 from her husband's life insurance policies.