In Iowa, first-degree murder convictions for adults automatically result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
This leaves no chance for early release for Samantha Bevans.
The trial saw Samantha Bevans claim her innocence, pointing the finger at her boyfriend, Tacoa Talley.
She insisted he was the one who smothered Jodie Bevans inside her home on June 14th, 2022.
However, the jury wasn't convinced, as this wasn't the first time someone faced consequences in this case.
Her boyfriend, Tacoa Talley was already found guilty of first-degree murder last year and sentenced to life in prison.
He was also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution.
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Damning Snapchat Video
The most critical piece of evidence presented in court was a video Samantha Bevans herself filmed and posted on Snapchat.
In the disturbing video, she openly admits to killing her stepmother.
An NBC affiliate in Waterloo, Iowa, obtained and released a copy of the video.
Filmed by Samantha Bevans, it shows her in the front with Talley standing behind her.
The video was posted on her Snapchat account at 9:14 am on July 16th, 2022.
The short video clip is chilling.
In a flat tone, Samantha Bevans states, "I killed her. I killed her myself."
Tacoa Talley replies, "And I knew this was going to happen, so good job."
Samantha Bevans then seems to contradict herself, saying, "We killed her," before Talley echoes, "Yeah we did."
The video ends with a disturbing image.
Samantha Bevans smiles widely at the camera, gives a thumbs-up, and then flips the bird.
Motive and Conflicting Stories
Prosecutors believe Samantha Bevans planned the murder as revenge for being kicked out of Jodie Bevans' house.
According to a report from The Gazette, Samantha Bevans took the stand to defend herself.
She claimed anger towards Tacoa Talley, who she accused of being the real killer.
She portrayed the video as an attempt to get a reaction out of him.
Samantha Bevans further claimed she was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of filming and couldn't recall the events clearly.
She also testified that she and Tacoa Talley went to her stepmother's house to steal money from a safe they believed was there.
However, she claimed Tacoa Talley attacked Jodie Bevans and began strangling her.
Her story then shifted, stating she placed a pillow on her stepmother's face but couldn't bring herself to smother her.
Investigators, however, presented a different perspective.
They revealed a recorded interview where Samantha Bevans demonstrated how she used a pillow to suffocate Jodie Bevans.
In the demonstration, she stood on the pillow and made a "grinding" motion with her foot.
To add to the prosecution's case, an ABC affiliate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, KCRG, reported that Samantha Bevans had a to-do list where one of the items chillingly read, "Kill Jodie."
Samantha Bevans is scheduled to appear for formal sentencing before Judge Chad Kepros of the Sixth Judicial District Court on June 14th.
This case highlights the importance of considering all evidence, including witness testimonies, video recordings, and physical demonstrations presented during a trial.
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