An Alabama woman has received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the 2023 murder of a pregnant mother of five. A Jefferson County court handed down the sentence against Aaniyah Nowden last week, following her conviction on a charge of capital murder in the July 7, 2023 shooting death of 36-year-old Justina Wallace in Birmingham.
What happened on July 7, 2023
On the day of the shooting, Wallace went to Nowden’s home. An argument broke out between Wallace, Nowden, and a man who was the father of both Wallace’s toddler and Nowden’s unborn child. Nowden shot Wallace during that confrontation. Wallace was pregnant at the time of the shooting. She was also holding her toddler when she was killed. Two of Wallace’s other children were nearby when the shooting occurred.
Wallace’s unborn baby did not survive.
The shooting was reportedly captured on cell phone video. Prosecutors presented that footage as part of their case against Nowden.
The defense claimed self-defense
Nowden told the jury she acted in self-defense. The jury did not accept that argument on all counts. Prosecutors had initially charged Nowden with three counts of capital murder. The jury dismissed two of those charges but found her guilty on the remaining count.
Prosecutors argued during trial that Wallace posed no threat at the time of the shooting. Wallace carried no weapon and was not attacking anyone. She was holding her child.
Sentenced to life with no chance of parole
Following her conviction, a Jefferson County judge sentenced Nowden to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The sentence reflects the gravity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it, including the deaths of both Wallace and her unborn child.
Source: PEOPLE / AL.com / WBRC
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