In a tragic turn of events, a 21-year-old Mississippi woman will spend the rest of her life behind bars for the murder of her best friend, a crime that shocked the local community and left a family grieving.

Angel Pierce pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and armed robbery in the 2022 death of Cody Smith. A Harrison County judge sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 30 years for armed robbery, according to WLOX-TV.

Smith was first reported missing to the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office on December 16, 2022. Months later, in March 2023, investigators from Harrison County joined the case after uncovering evidence suggesting Smith had last been seen in their jurisdiction. A month later, human remains were discovered in a wooded area near Pass Christian, which were subsequently identified as Smith’s.

According to WJTV-TV, investigators detained Pierce and her suspected co-conspirator, Jerry Parkman, shortly after the bodies were discovered. Parkman was reportedly already in custody for separate charges. He is set to go to trial in April.

Mississippi Woman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Best Friend’s Murder — Angel Pierce

At her sentencing hearing, Pierce addressed Smith’s family, offering a tearful apology. “Nobody should lose and bury their son. Cody was always there for me, and I betrayed his trust. I am haunted by Cody’s murder,” she said.

When asked by the judge to explain her actions, Pierce admitted, “I was angry about a lot of things and I was on drugs. It should have never happened.”

The case serves as a grim reminder of how substance abuse and unresolved anger can lead to devastating consequences. As Smith’s family mourns their loss, the legal system continues to seek justice with the upcoming trial of Parkman.