Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced the guilty verdict of Cecil Noyola (06/1959) for the murder of his girlfriend, Jessica Kennedy, in January of 2021.

“This defendant shot his girlfriend, left her to die, and then did everything possible to avoid being held accountable,” stated County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “I hope Jessica knows we worked hard over the last three years to get justice for her. To her family and loved ones, I hope this is the start of their journey towards healing.”

On January 5, 2021, the Phoenix Police Department responded to two calls requesting a welfare check. From their initial investigation, police revealed that the defendant had been acting erratically over the course of several days.

Upon entering the apartment, police officers found Jessica with a gunshot wound to the head, but no weapon was recovered from the scene. After having fled Arizona, Noyola turned himself in January of 2021. He admitted to giving the gun to a friend; it was recovered after the friend was arrested.

Noyola stands convicted of second-degree murder, a Class One felony, and tampering with evidence, a Class Six felony. His sentencing is scheduled for May 20th at 11:00 a.m.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org.