1-30-2024 2:41am

Medford Mother Receives Prison Sentence for Twin Daughters' Murder

Samantha Hespos Editor

In Medford, a mother faced sentencing after being convicted of the tragic murder of her twin daughters. The court handed down a prison sentence, marking the culmination of a legal process that sought justice for the heartbreaking crime committed by the Medford mom against her own children.

Tenia Campbell, aged 28, residing in Medford, received a sentence of 20 years to life in prison in Suffolk County Court on Monday, January 29. This decision came after she pleaded guilty to two counts of murder. The somber culmination of legal proceedings highlighted the gravity of her actions, with the court imposing a substantial prison term for the tragic loss of life she admitted to causing.

Prosecutors revealed that on June 27, 2019, at approximately 2:40 p.m., Tenia Campbell's mother urgently contacted 911. She reported that Campbell was driving the family van and making alarming threats to end the lives of her 2-year-old twin daughters, painting a distressing picture of the unfolding events.

In response to the urgent 911 call, law enforcement initiated an extensive police search spanning from Medford to Montauk. The gravity of the situation prompted a concerted effort to locate Tenia Campbell and her twin daughters, mobilizing resources to address the unfolding crisis.

At approximately 4 p.m., a crucial breakthrough occurred when an East Hampton Police officer identified the van along Montauk Highway, a few miles east of Montauk Point. This marked the pivotal moment in locating Tenia Campbell and her twin daughters, bringing the intensive search to a critical resolution.

Tragically, upon discovering the scene, the East Hampton Police officer found Tenia Campbell outside the van, while her two daughters were found lifeless in their car seats. This heartbreaking revelation marked the devastating outcome of the earlier threats and initiated subsequent legal actions against Campbell.

In due course, Tenia Campbell admitted to the unthinkable act, acknowledging that she had smothered her twin daughters to death. This chilling confession provided a grim insight into the tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of innocent lives, leading to her subsequent guilty plea and legal consequences.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney expressed the profound tragedy, stating, "These two young lives were cut short by the one person who was supposed to love and protect them." His words encapsulate the heartbreaking betrayal and loss caused by the very individual entrusted with the care of the innocent twin daughters.

"Although the 20-year sentence here resolves this sad case, it will not bring back these girls." Tenia Campbell pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in December 2023, marking a somber conclusion to the legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident.