VIERA, Fla. – A jury has found a woman guilty of killing her estranged husband's lover in a love triangle murder trial in Brevard County.
Shelia Graham-Trott was convicted of first-degree murder in the killing Kelly Brennan, the lover of Graham-Trott's estranged husband. The jury deliberated for nearly three hours.
Recommended Videos
A judge sentenced Trott to life in prison, Florida Today reported.
After presenting a witness who said evidence should have been handled differently to prevent possible contamination, the defense rested their case. The jury was sent away for the evening, and the defense argued that the state hadn't proven premeditation and asked the judge to find their client not guilty.
The state countered by saying premeditation could be shown by injuries aimed at vital areas — Brennan died after suffering blunt injuries to the head consistent with being hit with a hammer, though no murder weapon was found. Brennan's car was moved and Graham-Trott's sons testified she appeared clean the night of the killing.
"Which suggests the planning of taking additional clothing or wearing protective clothing at the time of the struggle with the victim," Assistant State Attorney Jim McMaster said.
The judge denied the defense's effort.
"I think the conclusion is easy to reach, that this was a premeditated homicide," he said.
While discussing jury instructions, the judge said there was "direct evidence of an admission." Graham-Trott's sons testified she had a dream Brennan had been hurt, and then drove them to where her body had been taken.