Life in Prison for Ex-Boyfriend in Missing Woman’s Murder
It’s a grim end to a long wait for justice. Krista Lueth, who vanished back in November 2008, has finally seen her former boyfriend, Brad Cournaya, sentenced to life in prison for her murder.
Krista, a 34-year-old horticulture student at Michigan State University, disappeared without a trace. She left her apartment with her stove cooking food and her pet locked inside, suggesting she didn’t plan to be gone long. Despite her body never being found, the evidence pointed strongly at Cournaya as the perpetrator.
A Father’s Heartbreak
During Cournaya’s sentencing in an Ingham County courtroom, Krista’s father, Roy Lueth, shared his grief and memories. He described his daughter as someone who loved horseback riding, ATV adventures, and hiking in the woods. He also mentioned how he had warned her against being with Cournaya and feels partially responsible for her tragic end due to his concerns about their relationship.
A Judge’s Scorn
In a powerful statement, Ingham County Judge Joyce Draganchuk lashed out at Cournaya during the sentencing. She expressed the futility of appealing to his decency, given his apparent lack of empathy and conscience. She acknowledged the pain Krista’s loved ones were enduring and offered her condolences, emphasizing that Krista would always remain in their hearts.
Cournaya had a troubling history, previously being convicted of human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity, child abuse, and failure to register as a sex offender.
The mystery of Krista Lueth’s disappearance may never be fully unraveled, but the courtroom’s verdict ensures that her former boyfriend will pay for his alleged involvement in her tragic end.