Milford, Pa.- Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin announced the sentencing of a Pike County man for the murder of his grandmother and arson of her home. George Sisco, age 29, of Milford, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the crimes of Murder in the Third Degree, Arson Endangering Persons, and Terroristic Threats. Pike County President Judge Gregory H. Chelak sentenced Sisco to a total sentence of 23 ½ years up to 60 years in a state correctional facility along with a fine of $2,500.00.

On April 26, 2024, a fire was reported at the home of Margie Finlay in Milford Township.  Firefighters from Milford Fire Department and Westfall Township Fire Department responded to the fire call.  Shortly after the arrival of firefighters, Milford Police and Pike County Sheriff Office deputies arrived at the scene.   The Pennsylvania State Police responded and conducted a criminal investigation. 

When Milford Fire Department arrived on scene, the assistant chief noticed Sisco at the front of the house. Assistant chief attempted to ask Sisco if he was injured due to the blood on his clothes, but Sisco would not respond. Sisco then made his way further into the residence threatening anyone who tried to enter. Once Milford Fire Department was able to make entry into the residence and extinguish the fire, a deceased body was located in the kitchen area. 

Sisco admitted to police he killed his grandmother and started a fire in the house, saying the flea medication she was putting on the cat was harmful.

Pike County Corner Christopher Brighton responded to the scene and identified the deceased as Margie Finlay.  An autopsy determined the cause of death as both sharp force and blunt force injuries.

District Attorney Tonkin, who prosecuted the case, remarked “There are no winners here, the loved ones of Margie Finlay deeply grieve their loss and that can never be fully repaired.”  The brave firefighters who responded to the scene did their best to save Ms. Finlay, but she was already deceased before the fire was started. The responding firefighters, Milford Police Officers and deputy sheriffs did an excellent job performing their duties to save others from more injury and apprehending George Sisco. The Pennsylvania State Police then followed up with their investigation leading to criminal charges.’