An Indiana woman, Amanda Soultz, has pleaded guilty in connection to the murder of Michelle Smith, a Fayette County resident who was found in her home handcuffed, beaten, and shot.
Soultz entered a Kennedy plea, which means she accepts the punishment for the crime without admitting or denying guilt. As part of a plea deal, she faces life in prison but could be eligible for parole after 15 years. In exchange, robbery and kidnapping charges against her were dropped.
Her co-defendant, Andres Torres, was found guilty in October of first-degree murder, robbery, kidnapping, and conspiracy. He received a life sentence without parole after the jury decided not to show mercy.
The decision to accept Soultz’s plea deal came partly because Smith’s family wanted to avoid another trial. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Crane explained that the state believes Torres was the shooter, and there was a risk the jury might treat Soultz differently because of this. The family insisted Soultz face a first-degree murder charge.
Michelle Smith was found by her son in her home and rushed to the hospital, but she died from her injuries 43 days later. Soultz and Torres were arrested soon after and were found with Smith’s credit cards and guns.
During his trial, Torres admitted he and Soultz went to Smith’s home to retrieve a watch he had pawned to her for $50. This visit escalated into the violent attack that led to Smith’s death.
Prosecutor Crane described Torres as extremely dangerous and believes he was the one who shot Smith. She emphasized that the convictions of both defendants send a strong message against violent crime in Fayette County. Crane credited the teamwork of law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor’s office for bringing justice.
She added, “This community can rest a little easier tonight knowing both individuals have been held accountable.”