Sentencings set for Fairfield teens convicted of killing Spanish teacher

A judge has set sentencing dates in July and August for the two teens who pleaded Tuesday to killing their high school Spanish teacher, Nohema Graber, in 2021.

Willard “Chaiden” Miller, 17, will be sentenced July 5, and Jeremy Everett Goodale, 18, will be sentenced Aug. 23 in Jefferson County District Court. Both teens pleaded to first-degree murder and admitted to striking Graber, 66, or aiding and abetting the other in striking her with a baseball bat on Nov. 2, 2021.

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Miller wouldn’t admit to striking Graber, only that he was a “lookout” when Goodale struck her and assisted Goodale. Goodale said both of them struck Graber with the bat.

Both admitted they agreed to met at Chautauqua Park, which is near Fairfield High School where Graber took daily walks, and planned to kill her.

Court records show that Miller had gotten a bad grade in Graber’s class.

Jefferson County District Attorney Chauncey Moulding told The Gazette on Tuesday that based on the nature of the charge, both can be guilty of first-degree murder as the principals or can aid and abet in the crime, but he is confident that “but for the actions of Miller, Graber would be alive today.”

The prosecution will recommend a minimum of 30 years for Miller and up to life in prison with the possibility of parole, according to a plea agreement.

For Goodale, prosecutors will recommend a minimum of 25 years and up to life with the possibility of parole, the plea stated. Goodale’s minimum is less because he cooperated with law enforcement.

The teens’ lawyers are free to ask the court for whatever minimum sentence they feel is warranted, according to the plea.

Eighth Judicial District Judge Shawn Showers said he will have discretion on sentencing and doesn’t have to adhere to the plea agreements.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com