INDIANA COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Authorities say one of eight individuals charged in the 2022 kidnapping and killing of a 19-year-old Indiana County man is facing life in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill.
Taylyn Edwards, now age 20, of Johnstown, reportedly conspired with seven others to kidnap and kill Hayden Garreffa.
Police say Garreffa's body was found in a remote, wooded area in Brush Valley Township in October of 2022.
Investigators say he had reportedly been stabbed and stomped on prior to his death.
According to the affidavits, multiple co-defendants told police that Isaac Buchkoski assaulted Garreffa by striking him in his head, face and torso.
Police say Edwards then admitted that she and Summer Settlemyer stabbed Garreffa several times.
Authorities say all of the individuals, including Harmony Hayward, a teenager who was later charged as an adult in the case, admitted to planning to kidnap and assault the victim.
Investigators say Desean Alvarez, Mia Catalfano, Thomas Rivera and Jesse Wadsworth all admitted to being present at the time of Garreffa's death.
Prosecutors say on Friday, Edwards pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Officials say the court accepted the plea only after Edwards reportedly provided evidence of suffering from mental illness at the time of the crime.
Authorities note that, as part of the plea, she will be required to undergo psychiatric or psychological treatment while in prison.
Officials say Edwards faces life in prison without the possibility of parole and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 19th.
According to online court records, the cases for the other seven co-defendants are still pending in court.
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