A man suspected of killing his teenage niece after forcing her into pregnancy was found guilty of first-degree murder in Florida.
After approximately an hour of deliberation, the Florida jury found 38-year-old Johnathan Quiles guilty of both the murder of the teen’s unborn child and sexual battery.
Iyana Sawyer was 16 years old when she went missing in 2018. Though her body was never located, a jury determined that Quiles murdered her and her unborn child in December of that year.
Ms Sawyer was last seen on the 19th of December, 2018. During her lunch break, she left her high school and went to a junkyard where Quiles was working at the time.
The man is suspected of murdering the girl, disposing of her body in a dumpster, and hiding or destroying it at a landfill.
Read Also: South African Police Murders His Girlfriend Pregnant With Triplets
Quiles’ lawyers contended that the girl was most likely still alive and attempted to prevent the prosecutors from using the word “victim” to describe Ms. Sawyer.
However, after six days of prosecutors presenting evidence, including testimony from other family members about him sexually assaulting and inappropriately messaging them, the jury delivered a guilty judgment.
Quiles’ brother, Joseph, testified for the prosecutors, saying Quiles told him he murdered the girl and disposed of her body.
“He said he took the young lady and had her sitting in a vehicle, waiting, he tried to strangle her, but it didn’t work out, he couldn’t stomach it, so he shot her in the chest. And he put the body, transporting it in a dumpster, and destroying the vehicle,” Joseph Quiles said.
According to reports, the man was frightened of being estranged from his family if the girl gave birth to their child.
The state is requesting that Quiles be executed. On Monday, September 25, the jury will return to begin the sentencing phase.
Ms Sawyers’ family members expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
“Today, a nearly 5-year nightmare ends with another measure of justice,” John Phillips, an attorney representing the family, said.
“We thank the jury, law enforcement and judge, as well as all of our friends and family who reached out when we needed it most. Johnathan Quiles has now been found guilty of murder and will go back before a jury to determine his fate on earth, but he chose to end Iyana’s young life. He was a predator and the jury saw that with ease. We are grateful. Please keep our family in your prayers. Thank you from the family of Iyana Sawyer.”
