What does six months in prison do to a 68-year old man?
We got our answer Thursday, when convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky arrived in court to watch his lawyers argue that he deserves a new trial.
His presence was not- strictly speaking- necessary, as the defense argued they had insufficient time to prepare for the June, 2012 proceedings.
But it gave Sandusky a rare chance to spend a day outside prison walls. And that seemed to put a spring in his step.
"He was in good spirits today," said attorney Norris Gelman, hired to lead Sandusky's appeal. "He's doing very well. He's resilient. And he's handling prison nicely."
Sandusky spends 23 hours a day alone in his cell at the maximum security state prison in Greene county, in Pennsylvania's southwestern corner.
Gelman told reporters he has television privileges and is allowed two phone calls and one visit per month.
Inside the courtroom Thursday, Sandusky broke into a broad smile at the sight of his wife Dottie and several family friends.
But beneath his maroon Centre County prison wear (he was moved from SCI-Greene on Wednesday and spent Wednesday night at the county lock-up) Sandusky looked like a shell of the 67-year old former Penn State assistant football coach was who arrested just 14 months ago. Defense attorney Joe Amendola confirmed Sandusky has lost weight.
"I saw a changed man," said attorney Tom Kline, who represents one of Sandusky's victims and attended Thursday's hearing. "just in physical appearance alone. He is gaunt and frail, and very thin."
Sandusky will mark his 69th birthday later this month- January 26th, to be exact. It will be his first birthday behind bars- perhaps the first of many.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:14 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:14:04 GMT
Parents at a Port Richmond playground say they fear for their kids' safety. They feel intimidated by a street person living, nearly full time, in the park!
Parents at a Port Richmond playground say they fear for their kids' safety. They feel intimidated by a street person living, nearly full time, in the park!
Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-06-12 22:34:31 GMT
The Trenton Titans minor league ice hockey team closed up shop back in April, for reasons that have never been fully explained. Now, season ticket holders have lost their team and their money.
The Trenton Titans minor league ice hockey team closed up shop back in April, for reasons that have never been fully explained. Now, season ticket holders have lost their team and their money.
Friday, June 7 2013 6:50 PM EDT2013-06-07 22:50:45 GMT
Roseline Conteh was inside the Salvation Army's 22nd and Market street thrift store Wednesday morning doing what she often did, buying clothing to send back home to Sierra Leone.
Roseline Conteh was inside the Salvation Army's 22nd and Market street thrift store Wednesday morning doing what she often did, buying clothing to send back home to Sierra Leone.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:45 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:45:53 GMT
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
Monday, June 17 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:41:15 GMT
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
Monday, June 17 2013 10:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:25:38 GMT
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby. It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby.It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:21:46 GMT
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 00:44:29 GMT
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:55:01 GMT
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:51:37 GMT
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Jerry Sandusky is seen as he arrives for his court hearing Thursday.
