A former U.S. Marine and Army veteran, Anthony Neubauer, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting to his role in the 2014 kidnapping and murder of Joseph Anthony. Neubauer pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting kidnapping, leading to his conviction. He and his co-defendant, 43-year-old Matthew Rudy, lured Anthony to a remote Pennsylvania property with a false promise of cocaine, where Neubauer then shot Anthony in the back of the head and torso before burying the body.
The Murder and its Aftermath
The murder occurred in May 2014 after Neubauer and Rudy tricked Anthony into traveling to the Rudy property. After holding Anthony at gunpoint during the drive, they forced him up a hill, where Neubauer executed him. The body was buried, but FBI agents were unable to locate it for years. It wasn’t until Rudy disclosed the location that authorities recovered Anthony’s remains. Neubauer’s actions were driven by the belief that Anthony was cooperating with law enforcement, leading to the brutal crime.
Sentencing and Background
At his sentencing, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford acknowledged Neubauer’s military background, but emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that no lesser sentence was appropriate. Neubauer’s defense attorney highlighted his struggles with PTSD and drug addiction, which worsened after his military service, contributing to his involvement in criminal activities. Despite these factors, the court handed down a 20-year sentence, and Neubauer will be eligible for parole after serving part of his time.
