KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It didn’t take long for news to make it to the Pernice’s old neighborhood. Neighbors say a lot of their suspicions were confirmed on Tuesday when Shon Pernice pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
The police and media presence was intense in January of 2009 when Renee Pernice disappeared. The mother of two couldn’t be found, and there were more questions than answers. As it turns out, Pernice’s husband, Shon, admitted in court on Tuesday that he killed his wife, and neighbors say it’s about time he confessed to the crime.
“Poor family to just sit there for this long of a time and kinda know, maybe know, but not truly know, and now for them to finally get the answers they rightfully deserve,” said neighbor Erin Catalano.
Even though it’s been three years, many still remember the first few days of the investigation. They remember investigators knocking on doors, searching their yards and crime scene techs going in and out of the Pernice home.
They also know how long Shon Pernice kept this secret, and when they heard he could get five to 15 years for this crime they didn’t like it.
“If you take someone’s life it shouldn’t be something small,” said neighbor Caleb Roland. “Ten to 15 years — it should be a lot longer.”
Neighbors are ready for Pernice’s sentencing so they can finally put the past three years behind them.
