Isaac Apodaca is accused of manipulating his then-girlfriend, Kiara McCulley, into killing 21-year-old Grace Jennings. Prosecutors allege he exploited McCulley's mental health struggles and convinced her that murdering Jennings would allow her to "level up" in a shared fantasy world.
Court filings say Apodaca (29) and McCulley exchanged extensive text messages over October 28–29, 2022, discussing plans to kill Jennings.
McCulley, now 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2025 and agreed to testify against Apodaca. After treatment restored her competency, she entered her plea and is expected to serve a 30-year prison sentence.
Prosecutors do not allege Apodaca wielded the approximately three-foot sword used in the attack but contend he encouraged the killing and offered to help clean up afterward. He is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
In late 2024, Apodaca rejected a plea agreement that he had previously signed. During a hearing, his attorney informed the court that Apodaca no longer wished to accept the offer, prompting the judge to tear up the signed agreement in open court. The case was also delayed after Apodaca stopped communicating with his original defense attorneys, who withdrew from the case. New counsel was appointed, resulting in additional continuances.
Investigators say both Apodaca and McCulley had previously dated Jennings. McCulley also claimed Jennings had been connected to a prior sexual assault against her, though police said they could not corroborate those allegations.
According to investigators, Apodaca and McCulley invited Jennings to spend the night in the garage where they were living at McCulley's mother's home. Prosecutors allege McCulley fatally attacked Jennings with a sword, inflicting multiple fatal wounds.
Jury selection begins July 9, 2026, after multiple delays. Prosecutors also requested an expanded jury pool because of extensive publicity surrounding the case, including widely viewed police interview videos of both defendants.
Judge: T. Glenn Ellington
Prosecution: Haley Murphy
Defense (Public): Jay Nair
Isaac remains in jail awaiting his trial.
#IsaacApodaca #KiaraMcculley #GraceJennings #NMtrials #truecrime #trialtvlive #ttvl
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