Isaac Apodaca convicted of first-degree murder in Santa Fe

A Santa Fe jury found Isaac Apodaca guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday. The conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison under New Mexico state law. Jurors deliberated for two and a half hours.

The panel convicted Apodaca on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He convinced his girlfriend to kill a woman with a sword. He told her the slaying would advance her in a fictional secret group.

According to Santa Fe police, 21-year-old Grace Jennings stayed the night at the couple’s home in October 2022. Jennings knew Apodaca and his girlfriend, Kiara McCulley. The next day, Jennings was found stabbed and slashed to death.

The defense claimed McCulley acted alone. Defense attorneys argued Apodaca walked into the room and found McCulley killing Jennings.

Prosecutors presented text messages sent between the couple. They argued the records showed the pair conspired together. The state claimed Apodaca pressured his girlfriend to carry out the attack.

McCulley pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She testified against Apodaca during his trial. She told jurors that Apodaca made her believe lies throughout their relationship. She testified that he convinced her she needed to kill Jennings.

Judge T. Glenn Ellington granted a defense request on Wednesday. He allowed the jury to consider second-degree murder as an alternative. Jurors still chose the first-degree charge.

A conviction for first-degree murder carries life in prison. State district courts hold separate hearings to determine final judgment orders. The legal system allows judges time to review case filings before issuing formal terms.

The court will sentence Apodaca in Santa Fe in a month.