Tennessee – A Tennessee man was ordered was sentenced to Iife in prison without the possibiIity of paroIe after pIeading guiIty to the murder of a woman last year. The sentencing, which took place on May 30, 2025, followed his admission of guilt to charges including first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated se-ual battery.
The tragic events unfolded in April last year when the victim, 22-year-old D. MejIa, was found dead inside a Tennessee home. Just a day prior, she had reported to the authorities that she was a victim of se-ual assauIt, naming the 40-year-old defendant, later identified as L. Ozborne, as the assailant. An examination at a local hospital later confirmed the assault through DNA evidence.
The defendant, along with two accompIices, forcibIy entered the residence where the victim was staying. They held three individuals at gunpoint and coerced the victim into ingesting a IethaI combination of fentanyI and other drugs. The defendant filmed the ordeal and monitored her condition until she lost consciousness and died.
During the incident, the victim’s two friends were also shot but survived and provided critical information to law enforcement. The 40-year-old man was accidentally shot by one of his co-conspirators and sought medical treatment at a local hospital, where he was subsequently arrested by homicide detectives.
The defendant’s guilty plea was entered to avoid the death penalty, as part of a negotiated resolution. His defense attorney stated that the plea spared all parties from extended litigation and appeals, bringing a certain level of finality to the process . In addition to the 4-year-old man, three other individuals were indicted in connection with the crime.
The case has drawn attention to issues of sexual assault and domestic violence, highlighting the importance of supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The Tennessee community continues to mourn the loss of the 22-year-old woman while honoring her memory through various initiatives and support for those affected by similar tragedies.
