PHOENIX (Court TV/Scripps News Phoenix) — A woman who murdered her three children and staged their bodies has been sentenced to life in prison five years later.
This Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 booking photo released by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, shows Rachel Henry. (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
In December, Rachel Henry pleaded guilty to killing 7-month-old Catalaya Rios, 23-month-old Mireya Henry and 3-year-old Zane Henry. On Friday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Geoffrey Fish sentenced her to three consecutive life sentences without parole for three counts of first-degree murder.
Rachel was 22 years old when she was arrested in January 2020 after the children were found unresponsive in their home. According to court documents obtained by Scripps News Phoenix, Rachel told police that she suffocated the children and laid them on the couch to make it look like they were sleeping.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop the death penalty and told the judge they believed the plea deal was justice.
No one gave impact statements at Rachel’s sentencing, however Prosecutor Christopher Sammons relayed how everyone involved in the case, including family and first responders, have been affected.
Sammons emphasized how the children were “completely helpless” and the murders were “senseless and cruel,” but acknowledged that Rachel has taken responsibility for her actions.
Alan Tavassoli, Rachel’s defense attorney, stated postpartum depression, among other mental health issues, and lack of support were a factor in her actions. Tavassoli said, “This is an explanation,… not an excuse” and “in no way does it justify what she’s done.” Tavassoli further stated that she accepts her sentence.
A separate hearing regarding restitution was scheduled for April 4.
