Beloved Teacher Murdered, Body Hidden in Favorite Park, Teen Sentenced

Teen Willard Miller pleaded guilty to the murder of his Spanish teacher Nohema Graber and now a judge has sentenced him to life in prison.

Iowa law does not permit juveniles to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, so Miller, 17, will serve a minimum of 35 years before he is eligible for parole. 

Willard Noble Chaiden Miller and Jeremy Everett Goodale were accused of killing 66-year-old Nohema Graber. The boys were students at Fairfield High School in Fairfield, where Graber had been teaching Spanish since 2012. Police found Graber’s remains on November 3 at Chautauqua Park in Fairfield. A tipster led investigators to the teens. Police say social media evidence ties both suspects to Graber's death.

According to a criminal complaint, in a social media exchange, the teens appeared to know specific details regarding Graber’s death, including how the teacher died, and the motive. Information on a specific motive has not been publicly released. Investigators obtained search warrants for both suspects’ homes and found clothing that appeared to have blood on them. A witness who knew the suspects told police the suspects were seen at the park on November 3.

Prosecutors said Miller was upset about a grade and had been seen arguing with her about it.

Joining Nancy Grace Today:

• Wendy Patrick – California Prosecutor; author of “Red Flags,” & Host of “The Answer” on KCBQ Radio
• Dr. Jorey Krawczyn – Police Psychologist, Adjunct Faculty with Saint Leo University; Research Consultant with Blue Wall Institute, Author: Operation S.O.S. – Practical Recommendations to Help “Stop Officer Suicide”
• Bobby Chacon – 27 years former FBI Agent; Instagram/Twitter: @BobbyChaconFBI; Writer and Co-producer: Audible Original Series, “After the Fall”
• Dr. Tim Gallagher – Medical Examiner State of Florida; Lecturer: University of Florida Medical School Forensic Medicine; Founder/Host: International Forensic Medicine Death Investigation Conference
• Brian Tabick – Reporter, KCRG-TV9 (Iowa); Twitter: @BrianTabick

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