The woman accused of killing an East Point police officer pleaded guilty Wednesday and was sentenced to life in prison, plus five years.
On the day her trial was scheduled to begin, Danielle Alexis Parker, 32, entered a guilty plea to charges of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm while committing a felony, avoiding a trial in the death of Crystal Parker.
Crystal Parker was shot and killed in her College Park home on July 4, 2013, and found by a friend three days later, according to investigators.
Crystal Parker, who had been named Officer of the Year in East Point, was a seven-year veteran of the department and had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Danielle Parker for six years, according to investigators. The two shared last names and had held a ceremony celebrating their union before later separating.
Danielle Parker initially denied involvement in the killing, but cell phone records placed her at the home, DA Paul Howard’s office said in an emailed statement.
“In addition, text messages between the Defendant and a friend were incriminating and contradicted her statements to police,” Howard said. “Finally, a gaming console which was stolen in a burglary of the victim’s home prior to the murder was found in the apartment the defendant shared with her mother.”
Investigators believe jealousy was a motive in the killing.
Danielle Parker was sentenced under first-offender status to life in prison, plus five years, according to the DA. She does have the opportunity for parole.
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