News : Talley: Life in prison without the possibility of parole & Restitution

The murder conviction of Tacoa Talley in the death of Jodie Bevans resulted in his sentencing trial being set for Friday afternoon. Because the defense attorney had forgotten about the hearing, there was approximately an hour and a half delay.

Talley was found guilty of first degree murder by a jury in Benton County on April 14, 2023. After just a few hours of deliberation by the jury the decision was unanimous. One of the jurors who did not wish to be identified, said that while it appeared that they reached a quick verdict, they carefully reviewed the requirements for the decision and worked their way through the definitions of the charges.

The juror stated that because it would affect the rest of Talley's life they wanted to make sure that the charge that they selected was accurate. As they worked through the requirements for each of the possible charges, they determined that First Degree Murder best met the description of what they had heard during the trial.

Talley requested a new trial twice and in both cases, the requests were turned down.

Impact statements were shared by the victim's sister, son, daughter and stepdaughter. Talley's actions have caused nightmares, especially in the children in the family. As a result the children have spent nights on the floor of their parent's bedroom floors. Fighting dreams of being stabbed, PTSD, anxiety, depression and starting their sentences with, "Because I don't want you to die like grandma Jodie..." it was a sad testimony to the effects of Talley's actions.

One impact statement pointed out that Jodie babysat Talley's children because he wouldn't take care of them. One ended with the hope that Talley would "rot in the deepest darkest cell for all that he's done."

In closing, one of the speakers said that they didn't feel the need to address Tacoa but to speak for Jodie. "She was a wife, mother, nurse, advocate for her patients. She was selfless. Jodie was described as sunshine. A best friend. Helpful, even helping the ones who killed her. Our family won't move on with Jodie, but we will move on with her in our hearts."

During all of this and during the sentencing, Talley showed no emotion nor the slightest remorse, talking with his attorney between statements and ignoring the judge during sentencing.

When offered the chance to speak, Talley declined.

The court ordered the mandatory, sentence which the judge declared appropriate for this violent and senseless act. Addressing Talley he said the sentence is necessary for the safety and feelings of security for the community.

Talley was sentenced according to Iowa Law, Code 707.1, (Murder defined: A person who kills another person with mallice aforethought either express or implied commits murder).

According to Iowa Law Code 707.2 Murder in the first degree, any of the following must apply and the court determined that 707.2 1(a) and 707.2 2 applied.

1. A person commits murder in the first degree when the person commits murder under any of the following circumstances:

a. The person willfully, deliberately and with premeditation kills another person.

2. Murder in the first degree is a class "A" felony.

Under Iowa Law, because Talley was charged with First-degree murder, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The judge stated that he would not be released on parole unless the governor commutes the sentence. He will stay in the Benton County jail until he is transferred into the care of the Department of Corrections. According to Iowa Law, 910.3B, Talley was also ordered to pay restitution of $150,000,