A conversation with Victoria McDorman: Younger sister of Christopher Bennett

Christopher Bennett is a native of Craigsville, Virginia, who made national headlines in 2003 when, at 18, he fatally shot his stepfather, Vincent McDorman. Bennett was subsequently convicted of capital murder as well as robbery and breaking and entering, accepting a plea deal that resulted in a sentence totaling 1,800 years—equivalent to three life terms under Virginia law.

According to Bennett, he stumbled into the home after hearing his sister’s cries and confronted his stepfather as he was allegedly molesting her. The case has sparked ongoing debate, with supporters portraying Bennett as a juvenile who acted to protect his sibl...