Shivangi Sinha
The disappearance of Amanda Plasse in August 2011 set off a prolonged search for answers that stretched on for years. Justice came slowly, forcing her family to endure a long and painful wait as the investigation unfolded. Her parents, Michelle Penna and Darian Plasse, along with her siblings, Aimee Reyes and Nicholas Plasse, remained steadfast throughout the process and were determined to see accountability. Their struggle for truth and closure, and the evidence that ultimately helped the case move forward, has been detailed in ABC’s ’20/20: What the Killer Left Behind.’
Amanda Plasse’s Family Mounted Pressure for a Reinvestigation of the Case
Michelle Penna and Darian Plasse were parents to three children: Aimee Reyes, Amanda Plasse, and Nicholas Plasse. Even after the couple separated, both remained involved in their children’s lives, with the kids continuing to live with Michelle. For her and her family, the path to justice for Amanda was long and deeply difficult. Amanda Plasse’s remains were discovered in August 2011, yet the case stalled, with little investigative progress made for the next 16 months, stretching into late 2012. While the initial shock of Amanda’s death was devastating, what followed proved even more exhausting.
It was not until October 2013 that Dennis Rosa-Roman was formally identified as a suspect. Michelle’s relentless pursuit of justice played a key role in prompting a reinvestigation. She continued organizing community events, distributing flyers, and keeping Amanda’s case in the public eye when momentum had faded. After Rosa-Roman’s arrest, Michelle publicly acknowledged and praised law enforcement for their efforts, even as her trust in the system had been repeatedly tested. That trust was further strained in 2015, when the family reached a $110,000 settlement with the City of Chicopee and the Chicopee Police Department.
The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that crime scene photographs had been leaked and that evidence had been mishandled. In the aftermath, Michelle became an advocate for greater accountability, calling for stricter oversight and improved handling of sensitive investigative materials. The family has backed the passing of “Amanda’s Law”, a legislation that bans first responders from taking and sharing unauthorized photos of crime victims. Throughout the years, Darian Plasse largely stayed out of the spotlight, speaking publicly only once to demand justice for his daughter, choosing privacy while sharing the same unwavering goal.
Michelle Penna is Outraged by the Change in Dennis Rosa-Roman’s Parole Conditions
Following the 2025 Supreme Judicial Court ruling that made Dennis Rosa-Roman eligible for parole in 2028, Michelle Penna has continued to speak publicly about the impact of the decision. She has said the parole date hangs over her and her family, reopening wounds they believed had finally begun to heal. Reflecting on the renewed uncertainty, Michelle stated, “I think it comes down to just when you think you’re done fighting that battle, here we are again.” Alongside her advocacy, Michelle has continued building her professional life. She has worked as an OEM Specialist at Automotive Warranty Network, Inc. since August 19, 2024, and also serves as a Warranty Administrator at Lia Auto Group, a role she began on December 9, 2024.
She is married to Michael Penna, and the two have been together for many years, creating a stable and supportive life together. In August 2024, they took a meaningful vacation to Salisbury, Massachusetts, their first getaway in a long time. In December 2025, Michelle became a grandmother when her son Nicholas Plasse welcomed his daughter, Aria. She has been taken with her granddaughter and is finding joy in new beginnings while still carrying the enduring grief of missing Amanda every day.
Aimee Lee Reyes is Working as a Bartender and DJ Today
Aimee Reyes works at TDS Sports Bar in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where she takes on multiple roles as a bartender, DJ, and karaoke host. She is the mother of an 18-year-old son, Brandon, who remains central to her life. Like other members of her family, Aimee has been vocal in advocacy efforts, publicly speaking out against the possibility of parole in her sister Amanda Plasse’s case and using her voice to keep pressure on the justice system.
On August 20, 2023, Aimee married Pedro Reyes, marking a personal milestone amid years shaped by loss and legal battles. Channeling her grief into action, she launched an initiative called Amanda’s Toys, which focuses on collecting new toys for donation to a local pediatric medical office. Aimee oversees the initiative herself and ensures that donations are organized, distributed responsibly, and sustained over time. She has turned her remembrance into consistent community support and has said that she draws strength from her sister’s memories.
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Nicholas Plasse Has Embraced the Role of a Father
Nicholas Plasse, the younger brother of Amanda Plasse, has largely maintained a low public profile compared to other members of his family. He is settled in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he lives with his wife, Jennica Ayala. In December 2025, the couple welcomed their daughter, Aria. While Nicholas appears to have served in the United States Marine Corps, he has remained private about his personal history. Those close to him have noted that, despite moving forward, he continues to carry the loss of his sister deeply and misses her profoundly.
