Iowa Teen Sentenced to Life for Killing Spanish Teacher

Willard Miller, a 17-year-old teenager, has been sentenced to life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 35 years for the murder of his Spanish teacher, Nohema Graber. Miller pleaded guilty to the crime, which occurred in 2021 when he and his classmate, Jeremy Goodale, beat Graber to death. Goodale, who also pleaded guilty, is set for sentencing next month. The sentencing hearing included video excerpts of interviews with the defendants and revealed new details about the murder. The judge emphasized that despite Miller's age, the circumstances of the crime did not warrant lenience and expressed that Miller was fortunate that Iowa law does not allow for life without parole for juveniles. Graber's family expressed their grief and held Miller responsible for the deaths of both Graber and her former husband, who died shortly before the sentencing.