Shivangi Sinha
In July 2002, when Sarah Jo Pender was convicted on two counts of murder, the verdict came as a profound shock to her parents. They had lived a middle-class life and raised their daughter in what they believed was a typical, stable environment. They never imagined her life would take such a turn. In the years that followed, however, they publicly supported her. As her defense team presented alleged new evidence seeking a retrial, Bonnie Prosser and Roland Pender remained steadfast by their daughter’s side throughout the legal battles. In ‘Girl on the Run: The Hunt for America’s Most Wanted Woman,’ they recount receiving the call about Sarah’s prison escape and share their reaction.
Bonnie Prosser and Roland Pender Knew That Sarah Pender Had Escaped From Prison
Bonnie Prosser and Roland Pender lived in Indiana, where they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Sarah Pender. The sisters had very different personalities. Jennifer was more outgoing and social, while Sarah was studious and focused on academic success. When Sarah was six years old, Bonnie and Roland separated, and the two girls began living with their father. Bonnie later explained that she lacked the financial means to support them at the time, which left Sarah feeling somewhat abandoned. Over the years, their relationship stabilized, and they were proud when Sarah enrolled at Purdue University. When she later chose to drop out, they said they understood her decision.
When Sarah began dating Richard Hull, Bonnie and Roland were not entirely comfortable with the relationship. They said Sarah initially told them he had steady employment, but they later learned he was involved in drug dealing. On October 24, 2000, Sarah and Hull had dinner with her parents, just hours after purchasing the gun that was later used in the shootings. Days later, when Sarah was arrested on two counts of murder in connection with the killings of Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman, her parents were stunned. They maintained that they stood by her and said they never believed she was guilty.
In August 2008, after Sarah escaped from prison, the first person she called was her mother. Bonnie later said that from the moment she heard her daughter say “hello,” she sensed something was wrong, though Sarah did not reveal her location. Bonnie immediately contacted Roland, who attempted to speak with Sarah but was unable to reach her. They maintained they did not know where she was staying in the weeks that followed and said they fully cooperated with authorities. After Sarah was recaptured and placed in solitary confinement, Bonnie could only see her through glass and said it was painful to watch her daughter’s mental health decline.
Bonnie Prosser and Roland Pender Are Supporting Their Daughter’s Release Today
In the years since her conviction, Bonnie Prosser and Roland Pender have remained firmly by their daughter’s side through every appeal. In December 2025, when Sarah sought mercy and a reduced sentence, both parents testified in support of her release. Bonnie said she was living in Sun City, Arizona, in a stable three-bedroom home with a screened porch and fenced yard, where Sarah could stay if released. Roland added that he was willing to relocate to Arizona to support her. He said that he had set aside money for her, and supplemented by her civil settlement, she would be able to get by. Despite their heartfelt plea, the request was denied in January 2026. Still, they continue to support her and remain hopeful about her future.
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