A TEEN who helped his classmate beat their high school Spanish teacher to death over a bad grade has been sentenced to life in prison.
Jeremy Goodale, 18, had blood running from his nose as he apologized to Nohema Graber’s family during Wednesday’s sentencing.
Law & CrimeJeremy Goodale’s nose began to bleed during court as he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years before parole[/caption]
Nohema Graber was murdered by two teenagersAP:Associated Press
Sheriff’s Department Jefferson CountyGoodale was arrested in 2021 after Graber’s body was found in a park[/caption]
“I know my words will never be enough,” Goodale groveled to the court before being handed his sentence.
“To Ms. Graber and all my family, I’m truly sorry. And dad… I’m sorry that I let you down in so many ways.”
The killer had left the stand sobbing and was blowing his nose at his seat when it began to bleed profusely.
Judge Shawn Showers, who commended the teen for his cooperation and sincerity, handed him life in prison with a minimum of 25 years before he is eligible for parole.
“I wish you luck, Mr. Goodale, and I hope everyone in this room can heal as well,” Showers said.
Goodale and his classmate Willard Miller were arrested after Graber’s body was found at Chautauqua City Park in Fairfield, Iowa – about about 113 miles southeast of Des Moines – in November 2021.
The two teens were charged as adults, but since they committed the crime when they were 16 years old, they did not get life without parole – a requirement for most first-degree murder charges in Iowa.
In July, Miller received a life sentence and would need to serve 35 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
The pair attacked Graber after she had given Miller a bad grade according to prosecutors.
They argued Miller had been the mastermind behind Graber’s death, as he believed that his low grade would stop him from being able to participate in a study abroad program.
The killers had stalked their teacher and ambushed her as she took her daily walk in Fairfield Park.
After killing her, the students used a wheelbarrow to move her body to the nearest railroad tracks, where they covered the victim with a tarp, and placed the wheelbarrow over her.
Prosecutors told the court the 66-year-old had been beaten by the teenagers with a baseball bat.
On Wednesday, Graber’s family and friends gave ten victim-impact statements before Goodale’s sentencing.
The victim’s brother-in-law, Tom Graber, condemned Goodale for what he had done.
“Murdering a teacher to avoid an F, was apparently enough for you to go along with the crime,” he said.
During his statement, Tom detailed how the murder devastated his family, including the victim’s husband who died of cancer shortly after her murder.
While he heard how remorseful Goodale had sounded, he questioned how authentic he was.
“You’re now an adult. You’re over the age of 18, and yet you have your counsel to represent you… arguing on your behalf to escape punishment for this horrific crime. That doesn’t sound like remorse to me.”
Meanwhile, Graber’s other brother-in-law, Jim Graber offered forgiveness for the gruesome crime.
“I do want you to know I pray you will continue your journey to find god and I pray for your safety and salvation.”
When considering his sentence, Showers said he understood Goodale was remorseful and didn’t think through the consequences of his actions at the time.
However, he said he believes he could have easily stopped the crime altogether.
The teen’s lawyer argued he should be sentenced to life with no mandatory minimum sentence before parole, but the judge ultimately sided with the prosecution.
KWWL NBC 7Nohema Graber’s body was found in a fairfield park, after being killed by her students[/caption]
Sheriff’s Department Jefferson CountyWillard Miller was charged with a life sentence for the murder of his teacher[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
