The Murder of Noema Graber - Miller sentancing today - July 6, 2023
"Finalize the win (secure victory) - from Miller's planning document to kill Mrs. Graber
I’ve been watching the live stream of the sentancing of Chaiden Miller for his part in the brutal murder of Mrs. Noema Graber in Fairfield, Iowa.
It is incredibly disturbing. But - this is how we witness justice for Mrs. Graber. Because Miller took a plea deal - and did not alocute before the court - the county prosecutor Chauncey Moulding told me in April the sentancing hearing is where the community will know the brutality of the crime.
I am going to be checking in off and on today with the live stream but here are a couple of screen shots of evidence from Chaiden Miller's cell phone. The searches he made and the prep list? Horrific. Link here.
Jeremy Goodale and Chaiden Miller made plea deals - guilty to first-degree murder. Watching the hearings this week was disturbing, but not just because the heinousness of the murder.
I reached out to Jefferson County Attorney, Chauncey Moulding after the plea hearings this week.
He told me via email, “One aspect of this case that I think is important to ensure is that all the facts of the brutality of this murder are revealed and brought to light.”
“Because they pled and there was no evidence presented at trial, there was not a detailed record of the evidence the State has of how this case developed and their mindset during and after the crime,” Moulding wrote.
Because of this, Moulding continued, “I intend to present a thorough recitation of the evidence at sentencing, so that the Court has a full picture when considering sentence, and so the public is aware of what happened.”
The reason I’d reached out to him was for clarification on Miller’s plea deal. I was confused after watching - and rewatching - the plea hearing. According to the prosecution, Miller was pleading guilty to first degree murder. The prosecutor then stated this was not an Alford plea.
This is important.
An Alford plea is basically a guilty plea without admitting actual guilt, instead the defendant is only admitting the state has enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
These pleas can cut both ways. Some have argued (like in the case of the West Memphis Three) an Alford plea brought the three men charged in the murders relief from a purported wrongful conviction.
But in the case of Michael Peterson (the author and subject of the documentary series The Staircase) an Alford plea was cold comfort to the family of his wife Kathleen. He was released from prison under the terms of an Alford plea - maintaining his innocence but admitting the state could successfully prosecute him for Kathleen’s murder.
Why did it matter that the prosecutors made clear Miller was not being given an Alford plea?
Because Miller, through his attorney, completely denies any part in the physical act of the murder.
“…my client denies striking Mrs. Graber." - Miller’s defense attorney at the 13:16 mark of the video from the hearing.
Attorney Chauncey Moulding addressed this statement, again via our email exchange:
“I understand he contends he did not swing the bat, but legally that makes no difference. The State has evidence to the contrary which it intends to present at sentencing, along with evidence that this was Miller’s plan, that he brought the weapon and other tools, and that he, with Goodale, disposed of the body. For purposes of his criminal liability, the one who swung the bat matters little, both are guilty of murder.”
Again via email, “Mr. Miller indeed pled guilty as charged to 1st degree murder, either as principal or as aider and abettor. This was not an alford plea.”
Continuing, he said, “Under Iowa law, the individual who aids a principal is just as criminally liable for a homicide as the principal himself. It was charged as such under the indictment.
Currently there is a PSI - or pre-sentcnceing investigation - is underway. This includes (typically) written “biography” from defendant, any legal history, pertinent aggravating or mitigating circumstances, etc., which the judge can use to inform sentancing.
Because Miller and Goodale were juveniles at the time of the murder they aren’t eligible for life without parole. Recommendations by prosecutors are at least 25 years to life for Goodale and at least 30 years to life for Miller. Both with the posiblity for parole. Goodale did make a deal to testify against Miller at trial which was slated to begin next week.
Note that the judge is able to recommend any sentence - no matter what is stipulated in plea agreement - he decides appropriate.
Anyone who can provide information to the prosecutor they feel pertinent for inclusion in the pre-sentencing investigation should contact the Jefferson County prosecutors office: jeffcoatty@lisco.com or (641) 472-9201
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