ALL NEWS

Lizzy Shelley’s killer sentenced to life in prison without parole

Sep 25, 2019, 6:07 AM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:27 am

FILE - In this June 4, 2019, file photo, the casket for Elizabeth "Lizzy" Shelley is carried follow...

FILE - In this June 4, 2019, file photo, the casket for Elizabeth "Lizzy" Shelley is carried following her funeral services, in Logan, Utah. Alex Whipple, a Utah man who pleaded guilty to killing his 5-year-old niece has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. The girl's relatives called him a "monster" during an emotional hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

LOGAN, Utah — “You will never breathe fresh air again”

That is what Judge Kevin K. Allen told 22-year-old Alex Whipple when handing down his sentence in a Logan courtroom: life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with three consecutive sentences of 25-years-to-life in prison.

Whipple had pleaded guilty earlier to aggravated murder, child kidnapping, rape of a child, and sodomy of a child.

Logan Police say he took 5-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzy” Shelley from her family’s home May 25th, attacked her, then buried her in a shallow grave a short distance from the house.

He told investigators through his attorney where she was buried days later in exchange for prosecutors dropping the death penalty.

Despite the deal, Whipple’s attorney asked the judge for the chance for probation, highlighting Whipple’s abusive home life growing up. He also claimed his client was blacked out drunk during the crime.

But Shelley’s relatives were not so kind to Whipple, who hung his head and sometimes cried when angry words were directed at him.

“How could someone do this to their own niece?… There are few things that are more vile than your actions,” another of Shelley’s uncles, DJ Smith, said.

Judge Allen indicated that he did not believe Whipple’s contention that he’d blacked out, and denied the defense’s request for parole.

Jessica Shelley was not in the courtroom to hear her brother’s sentence, though a victim impact statement was read on her behalf.

Talking to reporters afterward, she shared memories of her daughter, but also spoke about how difficult it has been for her.

“The loss of our Lizzy is a space in my heart that can’t be filled.  I would give anything to be reunited with her and hug her one more time,” Shelley said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

People walk through the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 13, 2024....

Curt Gresseth

Utah student earns perfect ACT score but rejected by MIT and BYU

A perfect ACT score is not enough for a Davis High School student to gain admission to MIT or BYU.

2 hours ago

Expansion of the Mountain View Corridor on April 25, 2024. (Adam Small, KSL NewsRadio)...

Adam Small and Simone Seikaly

UDOT announces major construction projects for 2024

Lane closures and detours will lead to new freeway interchanges, rehabilitated bridges, and miles of new pavement. 

2 hours ago

Officials on the scene of an industrial accident at Olympus Precast that took the life of a man in ...

Eric Cabrera

Man dies in industrial accident at Bluffdale concrete plant

Officials in Bluffdale said the accident victim was dead when they arrived at the concrete supplier.

3 hours ago

FILE: The New York Court of Appeals on Thursday overturned the sex crimes conviction against Harvey...

Eric Levenson, CNN

LISTEN: Appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s sex crimes conviction, orders a new trial

The court, by a 4-3 vote, ruled the testimony of “prior bad acts” witnesses should not have been allowed.

5 hours ago

In this sketch from court, D. John Sauer argues before the US Supreme Court over whether former Pre...

John Fritze, Tierney Sneed and Marshall Cohen, CNN

LISTEN: Takeaways from the Supreme Court arguments on Trump’s absolute immunity claims

Much of the hearing focused on whether there should be a distinction between official acts by Trump pursuant to his presidential duties and his private conduct.

5 hours ago

White pills spill out of an orange prescription bottle and onto a page that reads "RX"...

Mariah Maynes

Select Utah Walmart stores to host prescription drug disposal on Saturday

April 27 is the Drug Enforcement Administration's prescription drug-disposal day. Some Utah Walmart stores will participate.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Lizzy Shelley’s killer sentenced to life in prison without parole