One of the two people accused of killing a Waynesboro three-year-old has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports.
Candi Jo Royer appeared for arraignment Wednesday afternoon in the Augusta County Circuit Court in handcuffs and an orange jumpsuit. Royer was accused of aggravated murder and multiple other felonies in the death of three-year-old Khaleesi Hope Cuthriell. The child was placed in Royer's care in October 2020 and is believed to have been killed by Royer and her boyfriend at the time, Travis Brown, in January 2021.
Commonwealth's Attorney Tim Martin announced to the court that he had reached an agreement with the defendant. Royer then pled guilty to first-degree murder. The Commonwealth dropped the other charges.
First-degree murder typically carries a sentence of anywhere from 20 years to life in prison in Virginia. Royer's sentence will be decided at a hearing on February 22nd, at which both the prosecutors and defense will present evidence. Royer declined to say anything in court on Tuesday but could speak at the sentencing hearing.
Martin explained why Royer may have chosen to forego a trial.
TIM MARTIN: I think it became clear to her that, at least this way, she would have a chance to put on mitigating evidence at a sentencing hearing.
Brown was convicted of aggravated murder – which carries a mandatory life sentence – in August following a three-day trial that included disturbing photos and videos of child abuse. Martin said that by accepting the plea agreement, his office ensures a murder conviction and spares a jury and Khaleesi's family the trauma of another trial.
MARTIN: There aren't words, really, to describe the level of horror associated with this.
He said Royer and Brown have never been clear about where Khaleesi's body is.
