Family outraged after man pleads guilty to manslaughter in South Blooming Grove woman’s death
Prosecutors are recommending 13 years in prison for Joseph Pennyfeather in the killing of Tanzanicia Dickerson, but her family says the proposed sentence isn’t enough.
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The family of a South Blooming Grove woman found shot in the head days before Christmas is speaking out after her boyfriend pled guilty to manslaughter in her death.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office confirms Joseph Pennyfeather has entered a negotiated plea agreement that includes a recommended 13-year prison sentence.
But the family of 45-year-old Tanzanicia Dickerson says the proposed punishment is far too lenient.
“Her life was worth way more than that,” said Dickerson’s sister, Tiffany Dickerson. “It just sets a precedent that it’s OK for men to do this to women.”
Tiffany Dickerson and the victim’s cousin and best friend, Michelle Charles, spoke exclusively with News 12 by Zoom from their homes in Georgia and Florida.
“I am very disappointed with what they’re offering. We are not happy at all,” said Charles.
Dickerson was killed on Dec. 23, 2025, inside the South Blooming Grove home she shared with Pennyfeather. New York State Police say troopers found her suffering from a gunshot wound and apparent physical trauma. She was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center, where she died.
An autopsy determined that Dickerson died from a gunshot wound and found evidence of blunt-force trauma. Her death was ruled a homicide. Authorities say Dickerson and Pennyfeather had been involved in an argument that turned physical before the fatal shooting.
Family members describe the couple’s relationship as troubled. They say Pennyfeather had not been working and that Dickerson was financially supporting him and caring for him as he struggled with health problems.
Pennyfeather, who was 44 at the time, was arrested and originally charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
His defense says the negotiated plea lets Pennyfeather take responsibility for his role in what it described as the "worst day of his life," adding that he's deeply saddened by what happened.
Pennyfeather acknowledged having the gun and acting recklessly when it discharged during a struggle, according to his attorney. His defense also claims DNA evidence supports the account that Dickerson grabbed the weapon.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what prompted the fatal struggle, but Dickerson’s family says the outcome of the criminal case falls far short of justice.
“Thirteen years is not enough,” said Tiffany Dickerson. “The judge should look at that and say, 'No, he needs to do more time than that.'"
Family members say Tanzanicia was a devoted mother of four young adult children, including one she adopted, and worked as a sleep technician at Good Samaritan Hospital. Charles described her cousin as a loving and generous person who was always there when someone needed help.
“She was like a mother figure to me. I lost my mother at a very young age,” Charles said.
Nearly a year after Dickerson’s death, her family says the loss remains devastating.
“It’s been really hard for me not talking to her every day,” said Charles. “This is devastating, and to think that he will get 13 years for killing her, for taking her away from us. I can’t even put into words how I feel.”
Pennyfeather is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 11.
