Plea deal reached in Victoria Martens murder case

An Albuquerque woman accused in the brutal murder and dismemberment of a 10-year-old girl in 2016 has reached a plea deal.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that on Tuesday, Jessica Kelley pleaded no contest to child abuse resulting in death, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence, among other charges.

She faces up to 50 years in prison, according to the Journal.

Kelley was one of four people charged in the death of Victoria Martens in Albuquerque.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that Victoria’s mother, Michelle Martens, pleaded guilty in the summer to child abuse recklessly caused resulting in death and faces between 12 and 15 years in prison.

Read full details in an article from the Albuquerque Journal

The case against Michelle Martens changed after a new prosecutor took over the case in 2017, leading to the state dropping murder and rape charges.