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ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) — The stepmother of Sara Graham has pleaded guilty to her killing and was sentenced on Wednesday, a Robeson County court official told News13.
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Connie Graham, a former Robeson County sheriff’s deputy and the wife of Rowland Police Chief Hubert Graham, reached a plea agreement to second-degree murder in connection with Sara’s death, the official said. She was sentenced to 240-300 months, or 20-25 years in prison. Sara’s family was aware of the plea agreement.
Connie was initially charged with first-degree murder, felony conspiracy, and stealing, altering, or destroying evidence. She was indicted by a grand jury on those charges in early August.
Also arrested in Sara’s disappearance and death are Bobby McLellan and Luke Locklear, Connie’s sons. McLellan has been charged with felony conspiracy, stealing, altering or destroying evidence, and accessory after the fact, while Locklear has been charged with felony conspiracy and altering, stealing or destroying evidence.
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins gave a lengthy statement after Connie’s sentencing.
“What I saw and heard today from Sara’s family members was absolutely heartbreaking. No family should ever have to hear the painful details of what their loved one endured.
“I hate that Sara had to experience what she did in her final moments, and I cannot imagine the pain her family felt today as they heard the facts surrounding her death. It was truly devastating. My heart and prayers remain with Sara’s family as they continue to carry a burden no family should ever have to bear. We will continue to seek answers, accountability, and ultimately, the recovery of Sara’s remains so her family can bring her home.
“While some may have believed this case had been forgotten or that we had given up, nothing could be further from the truth. A tremendous amount of time, effort, and investigative work has taken place behind the scenes to help bring us to today’s plea.
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“The collaboration between the FBI, homicide detectives, Cold Case Team investigators, and the District Attorney’s Office has been outstanding. Our prayers continue for this family during this difficult time.”
Ferlene Bullard, a friend of Sara’s, told News13 that she wanted Connie to receive more prison time and did not believe she deserved a plea agreement. Bullard also questioned whether Connie was remorseful for Sara’s death, pointing to allegations that she tried to cover up what happened.
Bullard said she now hopes investigators can locate Sara’s remains and bring her home so she can be laid to rest.
The sheriff’s office said investigators recently identified an area where evidence indicates Sarah’s remains were disposed of in 2015. Specialized Search Team divers and athropology specialists from North Carolina State University joined the FBI, Robeson County Fire Marshal’s Office and other agencies in searching the area.
Authorities described the search and recovery effort as a “deliberate and methodical process” and said they remain committed to locating Sara’s remains and returning them to her family.
Sara went missing in 2015 when she was 18 years old and was declared legally dead by a judge in early June, something that Wilkins said paved the way for authorities to pursue homicide charges.
She was last seen at about 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 4, 2015, when she headed to her job at a Pembroke Walmart. Her van was discovered several hours later that day in a field off E. McDonald Road.
Count on News13 for updates.