Barbara Opel

Barbara Opel is convicted of murdering a 64 year old man with terminal cancer in 2001. She is currently serving a life sentence, with no prospect of parole.

Murder

Opel was living with Jerry Duane Heiman, aged 64 and his 89 year old mother, whom she cared for. In order to steal $40,000, she paid five teenagers, including her own 13 year old daughter, to murder Heiman. Her other children, aged 7 and 11, were instructed by her to help mop up his blood.^[1] Kyle Boston, aged 14, received $220, whilst his 13 year old cousin was paid roughly $100, for the killing.^[2] 17 year old Jeffrey Grote was given a car.^[3]

On April 13, 2001, the five teenagers ambushed Heiman and attacked him with knives and baseball bats. He was found 8 days later, in a shallow grave, roughly ten miles from his house.

Trial

Opel denied that she wanted him dead, despite regularly telling friends "I wish he was dead".^[4]

Opel was found guilty and was narrowly spared the death penalty, as the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.^[5] Following her conviction she was banned from any contact with her children, or being in the same prison as them.^[6]

Her daughter Heather, received a 22 year prison sentence, with no possibility of parole, at the age of 14.^[7]

Kyle Boston was sentenced to 18 years, after pleading guilty to second degree murder. His unnamed cousin was tried as a juvenile and will be released at the age of 21.^[8]

Jeffrey Grote (Heather Opel's boyfriend at the time of the attack), pleaded guilty to first degree murder and received a 50 year prison sentence.^[8]

Marriam Oliver received a 22 year prison sentence.^[2]

References