On Wednesday, Nov. 15, one of the two lowa adolescents who killed their Spanish teacher due to a poor grade received a life sentence.
Jeremy Goodale, 18, was found guilty on November 2, 2021, of using a baseball bat to kill Nohema Graber, 66, and was given a life sentence with the chance of parole in 25 years.
Earlier this year, Goodale and Willard Miller, both 17 years old, entered a guilty plea to first-degree murder of their teacher, whom they had stalked in a Fairfield park before beating to death when they were still just 16 years old.
Goodale sobbed as he apologised to the family of the deceased teacher during Wednesday’s hearing, spitting blood from his nose.
“I’m sorry, truly sorry. What I’ve taken can never be replaced,” Goodale said through sobs.
“Every day I wish I could go back and stop myself, prevent this loss and this pain that I’ve caused everyone,” he added.
Prosecutors said the teens decided to kill Graber because she had given Miller a bad grade.
Miller, worried about not being able to participate in a study abroad program, masterminded the killing and the two teens ambushed the teacher at a park she was known to walk in daily.
Judge Shawn Showers noted it was clear Goodale was remorseful and didn’t consider the repercussions, but that he was a smart boy who could have easily prevented the murder.
The two teens were charged as adults, but because they were 16 at the time of the murder, they are not subject to an lowa requirement that those convicted of first-degree murder serve life without parole.
Before Goodale was sentenced, 10 members of Graber’s family gave victim impact statements.
In remarks recited by Tom Graber, Paul, the victim’s brother, questioned the sincerity of Goodale’s contrition.
Tom Graber remarked, “I must say your actions towards me undercut that.” You’ve grown up now. Even though you are older than eighteen, your attorney is fighting for you to avoid punishment for this heinous crime. I don’t think that sounds like regret.”
Miller was given a life sentence in jail with a 35-year parole window in July.