Rachel Henry to spend life in prison for murders if plea agreement is approved

PHOENIX - We are learning more about an agreement between prosecutors and an Arizona woman who was accused of killing her children.

The Backstory

2020

The case involving Henry happened in January 2020 at a home near 24th Street and Southern Avenue.

At the time, Phoenix Police said officers were sent to the home after a woman called to report three kids who were found dead inside. The children were identified as 3-year-old Zane Henry, 23-month-old Miraya Henry and 7-month-old Catalaya Rios.

Police say Henry admitted during an interview to smothering each of the victims, starting with the one-year-old girl.

After all three victims died, investigators claim Henry placed them in a position on the living room couch as if they were taking a nap.

In February, Henry pleaded not guilty in court.

2024

Rachel Henry

On Dec. 12, years after the three children were killed, Henry pleaded guilty to three counts of first degree murder.

What we know

We have obtained the plea agreement, and in the agreement, Henry pleads guilty to three counts of murder, in exchange for prosecutors taking the death penalty off the table, and offer consecutive "natural life" sentences as a result.

The plea agreement states that under Arizona law, those sentenced to spend their natural life in prison will not be eligible for commutation of sentence, parole, work furlough, work release, or release from confinement on any basis.

What's next

A judge will eventually look at the agreement and approve (or deny) it. Should the deal be approved, Henry will be sent to prison for the rest of her life.