Fairfield teens plead not guilty

Two Fairfield teens charged with the murder of Fairfield High School Spanish teacher Nohema Graber have plead not guilty in their written arraignments.

Both sixteen-year-olds, Jeremy Everett Goodale and Willard Chaiden Miller, also waived their right to a speedy trial in the documents.

The pleas come after authorities say they found content posted by Goodale on social media led to the arrests.

“The details included, but were not limited to, the motive for killing Graber, the planning and execution of the means to kill Graber, as well as deliberate attempts to conceal the crime,” the complaint said, though police have not announced any details about such a motive.

The move contradicts prosecutors, who had framed that social media post as something akin to a confession.

“The defendant has made written statements indicating his involvement which include his state of mind at, before, and after the commission of the crime,” Iowa Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown said in two files opposing Goodale and Miller’s requests for bond review, filed with the Jefferson County clerk of court Nov. 10.

Authorities also said they had collected several clothing items from Goodale and Miller that appeared to contain blood, acting on search warrants, and talked with a witness who saw the two teens at the park around the time of the alleged murder.

Judge Joel Yates said he expected to file a ruling for the teens’ bond review pleas later this week.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com