SANTA FE, N.M. — A murder trial is underway in Santa Fe for a man accused of coercing his girlfriend into killing a 21-year-old woman in a case that shocked the community in 2022.
Isaac Apodaca is charged with first-degree, willful and deliberate murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Grace Jennings, who was killed in October 2022 in a garage on the 5000 block of Jaguar Drive.
According to investigators, Apodaca and his then-girlfriend, Kiara McCulley, were both romantically involved with Jennings. Authorities allege they uncovered text messages discussing a plan to kill Jennings.
Prosecutors contend that Apodaca coerced McCulley into carrying out the attack. Court records indicate Jennings was killed with a sword.
McCulley, who was 19 years old at the time of the killing, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to aggravated second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Under the terms of her plea agreement, she faces a prison sentence of at least 30 years.
McCulley is expected to testify against Apodaca during the trial.
Apodaca, who was 25 at the time of the homicide, has maintained his innocence. The trial is expected to continue as jurors hear testimony and review evidence presented by both prosecutors and the defense.
