In a chilling legal drama, Christopher Pence, a Utah-based Microsoft engineer, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for planning the murder of the biological parents of his adopted children.

Pence was convicted for orchestrating what was intended to look like accidental deaths or a botched robbery, targeting the biological parents of the children he and his wife adopted, as the Daily Mail reports.

Together with his wife, Michelle Pence, 45, Christopher adopted five children from Christina and Michael Cordero six years ago after Christina expressed concerns about the safety of her children.

This began a legal relationship stipulated by court-ordered adoption agreements.

Discovery of the Murder Plot on Darknet

The twisted plot unraveled in July 2021 when federal agents intercepted communications on a Darknet website.

Here, Christopher Pence had made requests for the murders, hoping to spare the couple's remaining three children by staging the deaths as accidents or robberies.

The federal raid at the Pence home in Utah occurred in October 2021, where agents gathered ample evidence of Pence's involvement during his interrogation.

Christopher subsequently confessed to the crime, admitting to using photos from a “baby book” given by the Corderos as a guide for the intended hitman to identify his targets.

Biological Mother Yearns for Reconnection

Christina Cordero, deeply affected by this betrayal, spoke of the profound impact of not seeing her children for over two years, violating the stipulated court orders.

She described her situation as highly sensitive and heartbreaking.

The past interactions between the Corderos and the Pences have been fraught, marked by several legal disputes and exchanges with child welfare services, which notably aggravated Christopher Pence.

"We're trying to restore relationships. His wife has been willing to talk to my mom, so it's a step in the right direction," Christina commented, expressing her continued hope for reconciliation.

Financial Turmoil for the Pence Family Post-Arrest

Following Christopher Pence’s incarceration, his family faced severe financial challenges, as detailed on a GoFundMe page by Pence's sister, April Foltz.

She describes her brother as the previously solid provider whose absence has left the family struggling financially.

"They have no money to pay the mortgage, to buy food, utilities, put gas in the car, etc.… They will most likely lose their family home," April wrote, depicting the dire circumstances the family now faces.

In conclusion, this case highlights the profound complications that can arise within adoptive relationships, accentuated by Christopher Pence's drastic actions under perceived pressures.

His seven-year prison sentence and subsequent supervised release reflect a judiciary response to the gravity of his offenses, leaving two families intertwined in a saga of legal and emotional turmoil.