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CEDAR CITY — Two of the three people accused of being involved in the death of Stevie Wilkerson have recently had their arraignments scheduled, while the third has already pleaded guilty to murder.
The remains of Wilkerson, a 26-year-old St. George woman, were found in August 2020 in a remote part of western Iron County, approximately two weeks after she went missing. She reportedly died as a result of homicide by gunshot, according to a state medical examiner. Wilkerson's death prompted a criminal investigation that led authorities to allege that Joseph Edward Fought, Maida Martinez-Westfall and Brittany Phillips were responsible.
Fought, 31, is facing one count of aggravated murder, a capital offense that is potentially punishable by the death penalty.
Fought has also been charged with kidnapping, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person and possession of a stolen vehicle. Since his incarceration in Iron County Jail nearly 14 months ago, Fought has also picked up four additional charges, all third-degree felonies: two involving assaults and two involving damage to jail property.
Martinez-Westfall, 36, is also accused of first-degree felony murder; her charge no longer includes a capital aspect, but it is still punishable by up to 25 years in prison. She also faces one count of kidnapping, a second-degree felony.
Meanwhile, Phillips, 28, entered a guilty plea to one first-degree felony count of murder on Nov. 3. Her sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 13.
Read the full article at St. George News.
