Jerice Hunter sentenced to life in prison for killing Jhessye Shockley

PHOENIX — A jury sentenced Jerice Hunter to an Arizona prison for the rest of her life without the possibility of parole Friday for killing her young daughter, Jhessye Shockley.

The sentence was handed down in front of an emotional courtroom.

Homicide detective: “It still haunts me to think of the pain and suffering little #JhessyeShockley suffered.” @KTAR923

— Cooper Rummell (@CooperRummell) July 17, 2015

#JhessyeShockley relative: “how dare you #JericeHunter you baby killer… I hope you burn in hell.” @KTAR923

— Cooper Rummell (@CooperRummell) July 17, 2015

One person was asked to leave for continual disruptions.

#JericeHunter relative just got kicked out of court for continual outbursts and interruptions. @KTAR923

— Cooper Rummell (@CooperRummell) July 17, 2015

Hunter addressed the court prior to her sentencing, saying she is “most definitely not a baby killer” and worries about her daughter’s whereabouts.

#JericeHunter crying at the podium: “#JhessyeShockley life is just not the same without you.” Asks judge for lenient sentence. @KTAR923

— Cooper Rummell (@CooperRummell) July 17, 2015

Friday’s sentencing came four months after Hunter, of Glendale, was found guilty of first-degree murder and child abuse of her 5-year-old Shockley.

A jury found Hunter guilty on all aggravating factors. An original sentencing date of June 5 had been set but was postponed until July.

Hunter has been in jail since 2012. She had been arrested on suspicion of child abuse Nov. 21, 2011, a month after her daughter went missing.

Hunter has always proclaimed her innocence and she continued to do so through her sentencing.

#JericeHunter crying: “It's a lie” repeatedly as relative offers forgiveness. @KTAR923

— Cooper Rummell (@CooperRummell) July 17, 2015

The child’s body has never been found, despite a monthslong search by authorities that took them to a landfill.

Prosecutors convincingly argued that Shockley has been beaten and neglected by her mother, and that Hunter had dumped the body in trash.