OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Judge Shelly Stratman sentenced Jeremiah Connelly to life in prison without parole Wednesday for the 2018 kidnapping and murder of 22-year-old Jeanna Wilcoxen.
Authorities believe Connelly was angry when Wilcoxen refused to see him after agreeing to. Connelly then watched her at a park before sexually assaulting and killing her, leaving her body on the side of the road in Fremont. She was found with duct tape over her mouth and nose.
"Your twisted and incredulous attempt to justify your acts is nothing short of pathetic and yet terrifying at the same time," said Douglas County District Court Judge Shelly Stratman. "Thankfully for this society, this community you will never be free again."
In June of 2018, Connelly was paroled from prison after serving time for arson, robbery and attempted kidnapping in 2005.
Only a few months later in September of 2018, Connelly was arrested after running from a traffic stop which ultimately led to authorities investigating his involvement in Wilcoxen's death.
He was also sentenced to 2-2 years in prison for witness tampering.
See also: Man found guilty of first degree murder in 2018 death of 22-year-old woman | Murder suspect Jeremiah Connelly denied bond | Omaha Police investigating murder of 22-year-old woman
Connelly also got 2-2 years for witness tampering, but doesn’t really factor in.
— Jake Wasikowski (@jakewasikowski) November 13, 2019
