SAMANTHA BEVENS | ‘I killed her myself’: Woman posted Snapchat video bragging about smothering stepmom, had ‘Kill Jodie’ on her to-do list convicted of murder | Autographed Letter, Signed

Samantha Bevans. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Cedar Rapids IA. May 29, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.

Samantha Bevans is a woman from Palo, Iowa who was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of her stepmother, Jodie Bevans. The crime occurred in July 2022. Samantha Bevans and her boyfriend, Tacoa Talley, were accused of suffocating Jodie Bevans. Prosecutors argued that Samantha Bevans killed her stepmother as revenge for kicking her out of her house. A Snapchat video of Bevans admitting to the killing was shown during the trial. Tacoa Talley was also convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison. Samantha Bevans was convicted on May 20, 2024, and she will likely be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

The case has been notable for its tragic details and the subsequent legal proceedings. 

Here's some background information on the case: 

• Incident Date: The crime occurred on July 14, 2022. 

• Arrest: Samantha Bevans and her boyfriend, Tacoa Talley, were arrested on August 3, 2022, by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. 

• Motive: Prosecutors argued that the murder was an act of revenge after Jodie Bevans had kicked Samantha out of the house. There was also a suggestion that Samantha was aware of a stash of money hidden in a safe in the house, which may have been a factor. 

• Method: The murder was carried out by smothering Jodie Bevans with a pillow until she died. 

• Trial and Conviction: The jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for about an hour. Samantha Bevans is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, with sentencing set for June 14, 2024. 

• Social Media: After the murder, a video was posted to Snapchat by Bevans and Talley, where Bevans claimed, "I killed her. I killed her myself." This aspect of the case drew significant attention due to the use of social media in relation to the crime. 

The case has been a focal point of discussion, not only because of the nature of the crime but also because of the way it was shared on social media platforms. The legal outcomes have been closely followed, and the case has had a considerable impact on the community and beyond.

The prosecutors in the case argued that the motive behind the murder was revenge. Samantha Bevans was reportedly upset because her stepmother, Jodie Bevans, had kicked her out of her house. This alleged act of eviction is what prosecutors believe led Samantha Bevans to commit the murder. 

Tacoa Talley was involved in the murder case alongside Samantha Bevans. According to the information from the trial, Talley and Bevans worked together to suffocate and kill Jodie Bevans in July 2022.

During the trial, it was argued by Bevans' defense that Talley manipulated Samantha and that he was the one responsible for the killing. However, Talley was convicted of first-degree murder last year and is already serving a life sentence for his role in the crime. The case highlighted the dynamics between Bevans and Talley and their respective roles in the tragic event.

Both Samantha Bevans and Tacoa Talley had prior criminal histories before the murder case: 

• Samantha Bevans: She and Talley were both charged in July 2021 for stealing items worth $29.99 from a hotel gift shop in Bettendorf. 

• Tacoa Talley: He has charges in Wisconsin, including having been convicted of having a misappropriate ID to obtain money, theft, and two counts of burglary following a plea deal. Additionally, Talley was charged with child endangerment causing bodily injury and administering harmful substances in a separate case. 

Their past criminal activities were brought to light during the investigation and trial of the murder case.

VIDEO: Woman Smothered Her Stepmom, Bragged About It on Snapchat: Prosecutors | https://youtu.be/JLdSfWvc9Cg

Archiving Protocol:

• Handled with White Gloves ab initio

• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board—Acid Free

Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self seal, stay flat, kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker that the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.