A 19-year-old man from Illinois has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after he murdered his girlfriend and attempted to make it look like a suicide.
The shocking case involved Nathaniel N. Archuleta, who was convicted of first-degree murder for killing 20-year-old Mary Halcomb in South Peoria.
The Tragic Incident
On September 6, 2023, authorities were called to a home in South Peoria after a report that a woman had shot herself. When police arrived, they found Halcomb lying in a pool of blood on the stairwell landing, suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. A gun was found in her hand, and emergency responders declared her dead at the scene.
However, as investigators examined the scene, they noticed something that raised suspicions about the supposed suicide.
A post-it note was found in a bedroom, with a message that read: “I, Mary Elyce Halcomb, promise to never break Nathanial Archuleta’s heart, and if I do, Nathaniel Archuleta has every right to euthanize me, vice versa, I love you.” This note seemed to suggest that the shooting was not a suicide, but possibly a premeditated act by Archuleta.
Evidence of Murder
As detectives continued their investigation, they uncovered a key piece of evidence that pointed away from suicide. A blood trail from the bedroom to the landing suggested that Halcomb’s body had been moved after she was shot, which is inconsistent with the idea of a self-inflicted wound.
Archuleta gave various, conflicting statements to the authorities. First, he insisted that Halcomb had killed herself. Then, he claimed that the gun had gone off by accident while he was cleaning it.
Later, in a conversation with a fellow inmate, he admitted to shooting Halcomb after he found out she was texting another man. This revelation led authorities to charge Archuleta with murder.
The Heartbreaking Impact
During the court hearing, Halcomb’s family spoke about the deep emotional toll her death has had on them. Her loved ones described the anguish of losing a daughter, sister, and friend.
The family expressed their sorrow over the lost milestones and dreams, as well as the lasting psychological impact, including nightmares and depression. They called Archuleta’s actions selfish and unforgivable.
Halcomb had dreams of becoming a nurse, motivated by her deep compassion for others. Known for her kindness and warmth, she was also a devoted older sister to her two siblings, always ready to help at home. Her loss has left a permanent scar on her family and friends.
The case of Nathaniel Archuleta and the murder of Mary Halcomb serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of jealousy, manipulation, and violence. Archuleta’s attempt to cover up the crime as a suicide failed, and justice has been served with his conviction.
However, the emotional scars left on Halcomb’s family will never fade, and her dreams and potential will always be remembered by those who loved her.
