A Kemmerer woman who was recently convicted of first degree murder and child abuse was sentenced in Circuit Court on Wednesday, June 13. Judge Joseph Bluemel has sentenced Cheri Lynn Marler to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the count of first degree murder, along with 5-8 years for the count of child abuse, which will run concurrent to the life sentence. Marler received credit for time served of 96 days and will be transported to the Wyoming State Penitentiary.
Marler was convicted following a jury trial on May 10. The case is connected to the death of a 5-year-old girl whom Marler had been the caretaker of at the time of her passing. In Wyoming, First Degree Murder is punishable by the death penalty, however the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office elected to not pursue the death penalty in the case.
As part of the sentencing hearing, Lincoln County Attorney Spencer Allred recommended to the court a sentencing of life without the possibility of parole along with a concurrent sentence of 8-10 years in prison. Allred noted the serious nature of the charges Marler had been convicted. Defense Attorney Trefonas then recommended to the court a life sentence with the possibility of parole, noting that Marler maintains her innocence. A number of family members then spoke to the court, emphasizing the positive character of Marler and the belief that she did not commit the crime, asking the judge to grant the option of parole.
Marler herself did not address the court with an official statement, saying that she did not want her comments used should she appeal the ruling.
Judge Bluemel then proceeded with the hearing, handing out the life without parole and 4-8 year sentences. Bluemel thanked those that had spoken and acknowledged that all sides and statements were taken into consideration in the ruling.
Following the sentencing, the defense acknowledged that it is expected that Marler will submit an appeal.
The case stems back to November 25, 2022 when Marler was originally taken into custody after the five-year-old girl, Annabelle, was found unresponsive in her home. Marler had been caring for the child and her siblings for a number of weeks when she called 911 stating that the girl was not breathing and needed CPR. Police and EMS crews arrived on scene and began life saving measures. Annabelle was transported to South Lincoln Medical Center for treatment and later airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah. At approximately 9:00 a.m. on November 26 she passed away from her injuries. Over the course of the investigation, Cheri Marler was charged with child abuse and first-degree murder. Marler retained Elizabeth Trephonas and her office to represent her after criminal charges were filed. Lincoln County Attorney Spencer Allred spearheaded the prosecution and had personally overseen the case.
