Galareka Harrison was sentenced to natural life in prison this morning for the stabbing death of her roommate in a University of Arizona dorm room last year.
The sentence means Harrison will not be eligible for parole.
On the forgery and taking the identity of another charges, Harrison was sentenced to 2.5 years each.
The sentences will be served concurrently.
Prior to sentencing, the prosecution reminded Pima County Superior Court Judge Nanette Warner of Mia Henderson's many accomplishments in her 18 years on Earth. It also spoke about the ripple affect her death had not only on the family but the community and the university as well.
When given the opportunity to speak, Harrison said, "I want everyone to know that we all suffer from this accident."
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A Pima County jury on Sept. 19 convicted Galareka Harrison of first-degree murder, identity theft and forgery.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Harrison began plotting to kill Mia Janelle Henderson days before the incident. She even talked to an acquaintance about a suicidal friend, and she bought a knife.
Jurors also heard that Harrison had taken Henderson's UA CatCard and Social Security card. Also, $500 was missing from Henderson's checking account. A CatCard is an identification and charge card.
Harrison confessed not only to stealing the cards and the $500, but to stealing the identity of another girl and to writing two other checks, according to testimony. Henderson had reported the thefts to authorities and reportedly asked for another roommate. Her family has since sued the university.
During the trial, prosecutors also relied on the taped, three-hour statement Harrison gave police in which she eventually admitted to attacking Henderson as she lay in her bed.
Harrison grew up in the small community of Chinle, which is near Canyon de Chelly. She is one of seven children, and grew up attending the Native American Church. Her parents, neither of whom went to college, spoke about how proud they were when their daughter earned a scholarship.
"I want her to come back home and continue her education," said her father, Gary Harrison, who struggled to speak in English, explaining that he usually speaks in Navajo.
He spoke of his pride, and about the place in his home where he had envisioned putting his daughter's diploma. "I still don't believe it," he said.
