Teen Who Beat Teacher To Death Over Bad Grade Gets Bloody Nose As He’s Sentenced To Life

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Jeremy Goodale, 16, and his classmate Willard Miller were arrested in connection with the murder of their Spanish teacher, Nohema Graber, in November 2021.

Prior to being sentenced to life, Goodale shared his regret for the tragic incident, and during this emotional moment, he began to experience profuse nose bleeding.

Nohema Graber's lifeless body was discovered at Chautauqua City Park in Fairfield, Iowa, in November, leading to the arrest of two teenagers who were charged as adults.

The prosecution revealed that the motive for the attack on Graber stemmed from a bad grade she had given to Willard Miller, which would hinder his chances of participating in a study abroad program.

Facebook / Nohema Graber

The two teens, Jeremy Goodale and Willard Miller, meticulously planned and executed the assault on their teacher.

They stalked Graber and ambushed her during her daily walk in Fairfield Park, using a baseball bat to brutally beat the 66-year-old to death.

Following the heinous act, the prosecution detailed that the students moved Graber's lifeless body to a nearby railroad track using a wheelbarrow.

They covered her with a tarp and placed the wheelbarrow on top of her as part of their attempts to conceal the crime.

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Groveling to the court ahead of his sentence, Goodale said: “I know my words will never be enough.”

“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.”

After tearfully offering his apology, Jeremy Goodale experienced a sudden and heavy nosebleed.

Judge Shawn Showers praised the teen for his cooperation throughout the investigation and subsequently sentenced him to life in prison, specifying a minimum of 25 years before he becomes eligible for parole.

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In July of this year, Willard Miller, whom the prosecution claimed was the mastermind behind the killing, received a sentence of 35 years in prison, with parole eligibility after serving the specified term.

Tom Graber, Nohema Graber's brother-in-law, expressed the profound devastation that had befallen their family after her tragic death.

Notably, the victim's husband died of cancer shortly after her murder.

Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette via AP

He also questioned the authenticity of Goodale’s apology.

“Murdering a teacher to avoid an F, was apparently enough for you to go along with the crime,” he said.

“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.”

The victim’s other brother-in-law, Jim Graber appeared to be more forgiving and said:

“I do want you to know I pray you will continue your journey to find God and I pray for your safety and salvation.”