A South Blooming Grove man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of the woman he lived with, and her family says the deal that could put him behind bars for just 13 years is nowhere near enough. Joseph Pennyfeather, who was 44 at the time of the killing, was originally charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon after Tanzanicia Dickerson, 45, was found dead inside the South Blooming Grove home they shared on Dec. 23, 2025.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Pennyfeather has entered a negotiated plea agreement that includes a recommended 13-year prison sentence, according to News 12 Hudson Valley. An autopsy determined that Dickerson died from a gunshot wound and found evidence of blunt-force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide, the outlet reported. Pennyfeather is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 11.
Dickerson’s sister, Tiffany Dickerson, did not mince words about the proposed punishment. “Thirteen years is not enough,” she said, adding that the judge should impose more time and that her sister’s “life was worth way more than that,” per the same account. She also said the sentence sets a precedent that it is acceptable for men to harm women.
Family Remembers a Mother of Four
Dickerson worked as a sleep technician at Good Samaritan Hospital and was, as her family described her, a devoted mother of four young adult children, including one she adopted. Michelle Charles, who spoke alongside Tiffany Dickerson, called her a loving and generous person who helped others. “She was like a mother figure to me. I lost my mother at a very young age,” Charles said.
Charles told News 12 the loss has been devastating and that she struggles with no longer being able to speak to Dickerson every day. Both women spoke with the station by Zoom from their homes in Georgia and Florida, and Charles said she was very disappointed with the plea offer, adding that the family was unhappy with how the case has been resolved.
What the Defense and State Police Have Said
According to Pennyfeather’s attorney, Pennyfeather acknowledged having the gun and acting recklessly when it discharged during a struggle. The defense also said the negotiated plea allows him to take responsibility for his role in what it called the worst day of his life, and that he is deeply saddened. Pennyfeather’s attorney further claimed that DNA evidence supports the defense’s account that Dickerson grabbed the weapon, though that characterization has not been independently confirmed.
New York State Police said their investigation determined that Pennyfeather and Dickerson lived together and were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical before the fatal shooting, according to a statement from the New York State Police. Troopers who responded found Dickerson with a gunshot wound and apparent physical trauma; she was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center, where she later died. Authorities have not publicly detailed what prompted the fatal struggle.
Dickerson’s family described the couple’s relationship as troubled, saying Pennyfeather was not working and that Dickerson financially supported and cared for him amid his health problems. With sentencing still weeks away, the family says it intends to keep pressing for a tougher outcome than the plea deal currently calls for.
