Woman gets 44 years behind bars for involvement in boyfriend's murder

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Twenty-one-year-old Carolann Clear was sentenced to 44 years behind bars and five years' probation for her involvement in the murder of her boyfriend, 26-year-old Jeremy Gibson, in July of 2011.

Last February Clear pleaded guilty to a pair of felony charges: conspiracy to commit murder and fraud. Under a plea agreement Clear faced between 25 to 45 years in prison.

Investigators say she was one of three people who helped kill Gibson.

During sentencing Gibson's family asked the judge that Clear be sentenced to the maximum amount of time behind bars. Gibson's sister spoke about his two young sons she now cares for.

Meanwhile, the defense asked the judge for a sentencing of 30 years or less. Clear's father told the court how Clear's mother led her down a troubled path. He also said Clear is a follower.

He said that's why she took part and helped Darren Englert and Antonio Williams kill Gibson.

Prosecutor Pat Harrington said the judge took all of those factors into account before deciding on the 44-year sentence.    

"Obviously the crime was very brutal," Harrington said. "It went on for a period of hours. There was plenty of opportunities for this defendant to intercede. There was a position of trust between the two of them as you heard from the family, the victim was in love with her and thought that she was going to be someone that he was going to spend the rest of his life with and instead she basically put him in the situation and assisted in his murder."

Darren Englert was convicted for his role in the murder last November. He is due to be sentenced Jan. 29.

Antonio Williams died in prison last year after being charged with murder.