January 11, 2018
One of the suspects in Victoria Martens’ murder got a significant sentence Thursday morning in a different case.
Jessica Kelley’s attorney argued she’s being treated unfairly.
A judge sentenced Kelley Thursday morning to seven years in prison for a 2015 drug dealing charge after she pleaded guilty. Judge Benjamin Chavez added four years to her sentence because of her criminal past.
The state also brought up Kelley’s felony convictions and the current murder charge against her.
Kelley is
one of three people accused of raping and murdering
Victoria Martens at a northwest Albuquerque apartment in August of 2016. She was arrested for the murder just days after getting out jail in another case.
“After getting out of custody on that case she was arrested for her involvement in the brutal murder of a 10-year-old girl. That case is still pending. She has not been convicted but it cannot be ignored when sentencing today,” said prosecutor Rachel Eagle.
Kelley’s attorney argued his client is being punished too severely because of the high profile murder case.
“This is piling on,” he said. “To be expected, there’s cameras in the courtroom, everybody knows about the other case and frankly it’s unfair.”
The judge sided with prosecutors Thursday morning and added time to Kelley’s sentence as a habitual offender. Her trial for the murder case is scheduled for next January.
Kelley will be tried after Fabian Gonzales and Victoria’s mother, Michelle Martens, who are also charged in the murder.
Kelley’s attorney was not pleased with that order, worrying prosecutors will be able to use facts against her that may come out in the first two trials.
http://krqe.com/2018/01/11/jessica-...even-years-in-prison-for-drug-dealing-charge/