COURT News:
SANTA FE — A Santa Fe County jury today found Isaac Samson Apodaca guilty of First-Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder for his role in the Oct. 29, 2022, murder of Grace Jennings.
During the six-day trial, the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office called 16 witnesses, including law enforcement officers, forensic experts, digital evidence specialists, and co-defendant Kiara McCulley, whose testimony detailed the planning and execution of the homicide. The State introduced over ninety-one exhibits including hundreds of text messages, crime scene evidence, forensic findings, and expert testimony demonstrating Apodaca’s involvement in planning and facilitating Grace Jennings’ murder.
During closing arguments, the State emphasized the evidence of planning and agreement that preceded the killing. Prosecutors argued that Apodaca aided, encouraged, and helped cause the murder and that he intended Kiara McCulley to commit the killing. This case captured significant public attention throughout the investigation and trial, including national attention as the proceedings were broadcast live on Court TV and covered extensively by local news media. Co-defendant Kiara McCulley pleaded guilty on February 10, 2025, to Aggravated Second Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder. Under the terms of her plea agreement, McCulley was required to truthfully testify against Apodaca at trial and is currently serving a 30-year sentence.
The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to the members of the jury for their careful attention and service throughout the seven-day trial. The FJDA recognizes the profound and lasting impact of Grace Jennings’ death on her family and loved ones and expresses gratitude for their strength and continued participation throughout the nearly four-year prosecution. The FJDA commends Deputy District Attorney Haley W. Murphy and Chief Deputy District Attorney Tony Long for their exceptional preparation and professionalism in prosecuting this complex and highly publicized case.
The FJDA also extends its gratitude to Santa Fe Police Department Sergeant Javier Vigil for his tireless work as case agent and recognizes the outstanding work of the Department of Public Safety laboratory analysts, Office of the Medical Investigator forensic pathologist Dr. Emily Helmrich; and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Michael Welner, whose expertise, testimony, and analysis were essential to the prosecution of this case. Additional appreciation is extended to Santa Fe Police Department officers and detectives who assisted in this investigation. The FJDA also recognizes the dedication of its prosecution support team, including Janet Trujillo, Janet Gomez, Brian Roybal, Stephanie Archuleta-Bernal, and Victim Advocate Christine Fitzsimmons as well as our FJDA investigators.
Isaac Samson Apodaca was remanded into custody. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
