WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) – Chad Mack, one of the people convicted in the 2002 murder of Theresa Ford, had his motion requesting a lesser sentence denied by a Schuyler County judge on Tuesday.

On the evening of August 17, 2002, Mack and Elizabeth Kettle went to the home of Theresa Ford in the Town of Orange with the intent to rob her.

According to court documents, Mack and a friend had previously been to Ford's home for a painting job. Additionally, Kettle reportedly needed money for a DWI lawyer the next morning, so Mack suggested that they go to Ford's home and rob her.

When they arrived at Ford's home, Mack gave Kettle a loaded pistol and sent her to the front door. Kettle then reportedly got into the Ford home under the ruse that her car broke down and she needed help.

One inside, Kettle pointed the gun at Ford and demanded money. Kettle then shot and killed Ford.

On October 31, 2002, Mack was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, two counts of Burglary in the First Degree and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree. On May 28, 2003, Mack pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison on June 28, 2004.

On July 17, 2019, Mack filed a motion saying he was seeking a re-sentence to a lesser sentence that would allow him to immediately be up for parole.

Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary responded to Mack's motion, arguing that given the crime that was committed, the defendant's role in that crime and the murder that he and Kettle committed, that the 17 years that Mack had currently served “is not nearly enough for his participation in the crime”.

On Tuesday, Schuyler County Judge Hon. Gerald Keene denied Mack's motion, saying the original sentence was “not harsh or excessive and was justified considering the conduct of the defendant”.

Mack will continue to serve his original sentence of 25 years to life.