court hall
⠀ She was holding a sword. Prosecutors say he masterminded the murder. ⠀.
Two people are currently on trial for the 2022 killing of 21-year-old Grace Jennings in New Mexico.
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The case involved a 36-inch sword, a series of messages and a murder that prosecutors claim was planned long before the attack.
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Kiara McCauley admitted killing Jennings with a sword. She later testified against her ex-boyfriend, Isaac Apodaca.
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Prosecutors argued that although McCauley physically carried out the attack, Apodaca manipulated and directed her actions.
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A jury convicted Apodaca of first-degree murder and conspiracy.
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At the sentencing hearing on October 22, the judge agreed that Apodaca played a central role in arranging the killing.
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Apodaca received a 15-year conspiracy sentence followed by life in prison, with parole eligibility after 30 years to life.
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McCauley was sentenced to 30 years in prison as part of her plea deal.
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The sentencing also brought emotional statements from Jennings' family, who described the lasting damage caused by her death.
⠀ Watch: Court TV coverage of the sentencing and statements of the families. ⠀.