He will be eligible for parole after serving 15 years.
Frederick, Md (KM) A Mount Airy man who fatally shot his wife is going to prison for a long time. In Frederick County Circuit on Thursday, Robert Glen Laudick, 52, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. In addition, Laudick received 10 years for 3rd-degree sex offense involving a minor, and five-years for possession of child pornography.
“We’d like to have seen them consecutive to the life sentence, but there’s running concurrent. He’s going to be dealing with life in prison. So we’re happy with that outcome,” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith.
Laudick was arrested on October 6th, 20125 for sexual abuse of a minor. During a bond hearing, his wife, Donna, spoke up for her husband in court. Robert Laudick was released from jail the next day.
24-hours later, Laudick dialed Frederick County Emergency Communications and told the dispatcher “I killed my wife and I shot myself in the chest.” The defendant survived and faced charges in connection with his wife’s death, including 1st-degree murder. “He tried to say this is some sort of murder-suicide pact, which we never believed,” Smith says.
The Sheriff’s Office was tasked with the investigation. They submitted Laudick’s password-protect laptop for a forensic examination, and found more than 1600 images of child pornography and erotica on the hard drive. Laudick was charged with more than 100 counts of possession of child pornography.
On September 13th, 2016 Laudick pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, according to court records. Guilty pleas were also entered by Laudick on September 21st of that year to 1st-degree murder and 3rd-degree sex offense.
Smith says Laudick will be eligible for parole after serving 15-years in prison, but he doubts he’ll get it. “He’ll get a hearing in 15 years. He’s not going to get released. I’ve never heard of that. He’ll serve hopefully the rest of his natural life in prison,” says Smith.
By Kevin McManus