Woman died because she decided that she wanted to have the baby and refused to undergo a procedure to end her pregnancy when she was brought to a clinic by her partner, who killed her the following day: DA

Virginia – A Virginia man was sentenced last week to two consecutive Iife terms plus eight years for the murder of his girIfriend, Raqiah, three years ago. The sentencing followed his April conviction on charges including first-degree murder, the death of a fetus, use of a firearm in the commission of a feIony, and conceaIing a body. The case drew national attention due to the tragic circumstances and the defendant’s status as a miIitary officer.

The incident occurred in JuIy 2022, when a passerby discovered the victim’s body in a ditch in Virginia. She had been fatally shot and was found without any cIothes, with no bullet casings at the scene. The victim was four months weeks pregnant at the time, and the defendant, 27-year-old E. CobIe, was identified as the father. 

Following an extensive investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Sheriff’s Office, the local police department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Virginia State Police, the defendant was arrested the following month. He was charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

During the trial, the defendant admitted to shooting the victim during an argument but claimed her death was accidental. However, prosecutors presented evidence that contradicted his account. They revealed that the defendant had expressed fear of the shooter to her mother, stating that he wanted her to have an abortion, which she refused. She had also sought medical care to continue her pregnancy. In her final communication, she texted the defendant before her body was found the next day. 

The defendant’s defense strategy included representing himself in court, selecting the jury, delivering opening statements, and cross-examining witnesses. The judge and prosecution viewed this as an attempt to manipulate the court and delay proceedings.

At sentencing, Commonwealth Attorney Babicenko remarked that the judge took the case seriously and aimed to make it clear that such actions were inexcusable. She emphasized that the defendant’s efforts to cover up the crime and the brutality of the act warranted the maximum sentence.

Virginia authorities also said that the defendant had brought his girIfriend to an abortion clinic, but she refused to undergo the procedure, apparently having decided that she wanted to have the baby.