ID v. Delbert Cornish

Reference TimelineLast updated FEB 3
SUMMARY

Delbert Cornish was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his 18-year-old daughter, Hope "Onyx" Cornish, the attempted murder of his 15-year-old son, Lucian Cornish, and animal cruelty. The tragic incident occurred on August 18, 2025, when Cornish fatally shot his daughter and her pet cat, then waited for his son, whom he also attempted to harm. He pleaded guilty in November 2025 to avoid the death penalty, and his sentencing took place on January 28, 2026.

Timeline

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January 2026 — 3 developments

  1. During his sentencing, Delbert Cornish expressed regret, stating, "She was beautiful, she was brilliant.

    During his sentencing, Delbert Cornish expressed regret, stating, "She was beautiful, she was brilliant...", and also issued an apology to the LGBTQ community for a slur he had made.

  2. During sentencing, Judge Gabriel McCarthy described Cornish's crime as "an act of pure evil.

    During sentencing, Judge Gabriel McCarthy described Cornish's crime as "an act of pure evil."

  3. The court received a victim impact statement from Crystal Thompson, Onyx's mother.

    The court received a victim impact statement from Crystal Thompson, Onyx's mother.

September 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Delbert Cornish purchased a 9mm handgun, having planned to take his own life and the lives of his children as early as September 2024.

    Delbert Cornish purchased a 9mm handgun, having planned to take his own life and the lives of his children as early as September 2024.