A judge in West Virginia sentenced Rebakah Weikle to two consecutive life terms for murdering her 4-year-old daughter in 2022. The killing stemmed from jealousy over attention the child received from her father. Weikle pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.
Kanawha County Circuit Judge Michael Froble on Thursday imposed two sentences of 15 years to life on 33-year-old Rebakah Weikle, to be served consecutively in a state correctional facility. This means she must serve at least 30 years before parole eligibility. The crime occurred in July 2022 at the family's home in the Forest Hill area, where Weikle stabbed and slit the throat of her daughter, Haley, after researching ways to kill her, prosecutors said. Summers County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Lefler described the attack in court: “Young Haley laid down, and at some point, Rebakah made the decision to cut her throat. She was then able to make the fatal laceration across Haley's throat and took her life.” Weikle left the body in the child's bed overnight, concealing the knife and her clothes before her husband discovered the scene the next morning and called 911 himself. During the yearslong investigation, she falsely accused her husband of the murder and sexual abuse, claims she admitted were fabricated as part of her plea. Digital evidence, including cellphone data and searches, confirmed her role, Lefler said. The father pleaded guilty to child abuse and neglect for failing to address warning signs, receiving home confinement and probation. In court, he stated: “I want everybody to know how evil the person that she is and what all she has done. She killed a 4-year-old baby, my baby. She was jealous that I was paying attention to her.”