Man sentenced for killing girlfriend, framing it as suicide
Share this @internewscast.com

Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can find resources in your area on the National Crisis Line website or by calling 988.

PEORIA, Ill. (WJW) — A 19-year-old Illinois man was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to his girlfriend’s murder, which he attempted to make look like a suicide, the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office reported in a statement earlier this week.

Nathaniel Archuleta was sentenced to 45 years in prison for murdering 20-year-old Mary Halcomb last September. The attorney’s office said Archuleta would serve the entirety of his sentence.

Police were called to a home in South Peoria on Sept. 6 for reports that a woman had shot herself. Upon arrival, police said they found Halcomb in a pool of blood on a stair landing with a gunshot wound to the neck. She reportedly had a gun in her hand.

Halcomb was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation soon showed inconsistencies. A trail of blood was found going from a bedroom to the stairs. Police said they also found a Post-it note in the bedroom with the following written on it: “I, Mary Elyce Halcomb, promise to never break Nathanial Archuleta’s heart, and if I do, Nathaniel Archuleta has every right to euthanize me, vice versa, I love you.”

Photo courtesy Peoria County Jail

In questioning Archuleta, police said his narrative of the day’s events began to change. At first, he stuck with the suicide story, then he said he was cleaning a gun and it went off accidentally.

Later, investigators found out he told a fellow inmate he shot his girlfriend after catching her texting another man.

During the sentencing on Monday, the victim’s family and friends spoke about what has transpired following the tragedy, calling “Archuleta’s actions selfish and unforgivable,” and saying “that blood will forever be on his hands and that justice must now be served,” according to the press release.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Recently Released from ICE Custody, Mahmoud Khalil Sues Trump Administration for $20 Million

NEW YORK – One afternoon, Mahmoud Khalil found himself in his Manhattan…

Storm Team 3: Expect More Storms on Friday with a Hot and Dry Weekend Ahead

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Thursday afternoon was very stormy as expected. We…

Trump Appoints Sean Duffy as Temporary Head of NASA

President Trump said late Wednesday that he was tapping Transportation Secretary Sean…

Oklahoma Couple Accused of Keeping Over 50 Animals in Their Home

EL RENO, Okla. (KFOR) – An El Reno couple is facing criminal…

“Champaign Residents Rally to End Community Gun Violence”

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — In Champaign-Urbana, community members are seeking solutions to…

Polygraph Results on Gary Coleman’s Ex-Wife Regarding His Death Remain Unclear

() Shannon Price, Gary Coleman’s ex-wife, is back in the spotlight after…

SPD Detains Suspect Linked to May Assault

The Savannah Police Department (SPD) detained an individual on Wednesday regarding a…

Scrutiny Intensifies on Texas Flooding Response Amid Rising Death Toll

() As crews in central Texas shift from search and rescue to…

Trump Administration Files Lawsuit Against California Regarding Egg Costs

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against California, alleging that three…

Lamar Mental Wellness Center in Augusta Supports Mental Health

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Lamar Mental Wellness Center near the Turpin…

Rescuers Hunt for Missing Crew after Red Sea Incident; US Suggests Yemen Rebels Could Be Involved

DUBAI – Search efforts continued on Thursday for over twelve crew members…

“Hero Rescues Abandoned 7-Month-Old Girl Following Little Italy Carjacking”

CHICAGO (WGN) — Last Thursday, Earl Abernathy was stuck in traffic on…