Man Convicted in Third Trial of Killing, Dismembering Student

A Connecticut man has been convicted of killing and dismembering his college student girlfriend after a third trial. 

Jermaine Richards, 34, was convicted of murder Friday after four hours of jury deliberations over two days. 

The remains of Alyssiah Wiley, a 20-year-old Eastern Connecticut State University student, were found in a wooded area of Trumbull, about a month after she was last seen with Richards outside her Willimantic dorm in April 2013. 

Two previous trials had ended with deadlocked juries.

"It doesn't bring my baby back, but it does continue to give her the voice she deserves," said Corinna Martin, Wiley's mother. 

Richards denies killing Wiley. His lawyers pointed to the lack of physical evidence showing where or how she died. 

Wiley's family and friends testified Richards was jealous, possessive and had been physically violent with her. They told the jury she had planned to end their relationship.

Wiley's death was not the only tragedy faced by Martin.

Her other daughter, Chaquinequea Brodie and Martin's granddaughter were shot to death in Waterbury in August.  Brodie's boyfriend was charged with their killings.

"I'm in a whirlwind right now.  You all know that not just the past four years, but the past month has been extremely devastating for my family and I.  But by the grace of God, we're here and prayerfully this will be one of many more victories to come.

Richards' bond was raised Friday to $5 million. Sentencing for Wiley's murder is scheduled for Oct. 27.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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