Caleb Rees received a sentence of up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and related charges in the 2021 death of his girlfriend Rena Nguyen.
Caleb Rees, 31, was sentenced on Friday in Orem, Utah, after pleading guilty to manslaughter, two gun-related charges and one drug charge. The case stems from the October 1, 2021, suicide of Nguyen, a 20-year-old Brigham Young University student.
Recordings from Nguyen's phone captured Rees berating her about her suicidal thoughts and placing a gun on a table before leaving the room. She used the weapon moments later. Judge Sean M. Petersen described the recording as horrific during the hearing.
Nguyen's parents, Keith and Rose Nguyen, addressed the court about their loss. The family had previously sued Orem police, but the lawsuit was dismissed. Rees apologized, stating that every day since the death has been difficult.