Wilberger Suspect Sentenced in New Mexico

The man suspected in the disappearance of college student Brooke Wilberger has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a rape and kidnapping in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joel Patrick Courtney now faces extradition back to Oregon to face trial for the 2004 murder of the 19-year-old Brigham Young University student.

Benton County, Oregon, District Attorney John Haroldson plans to seek the death penalty when Courtney goes on trial. Officials said the extradition would probably be completed within 90 days.

"Now that justice has been served here, the State of New Mexico will do everything in its power to see that justice is served in Oregon," New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson told reporters. "We will process this extradition as quickly as possible to help bring peace to the Wilberger family."

Kidnapping, Rape and Sodomy

Last week, Courtney was sentenced to nine years for rape and 18 for kidnapping a University of New Mexico student. The two sentences will run concurrently under a plea deal worked out by his attorney, although Courtney tried to back out of the deal at the last minute.

While awaiting trial in New Mexico, Courtney was indicted on charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping, rape and sodomy in connection with the Wilberger case.

In May 2004, Brooke Wilberger was staying in Corvallis, Oregon with her sister and her husband. She was working at the apartment complex her sister managed. She was cleaning light fixtures in the parking lot when she disappeared. She has never been found.

See Also:
DA Seeks Extradition for Courtney
Man Gets 18 Years in Albuquerque Rape

Background:
Missing: Brooke Carol Wilberger

Earlier Articles:
Joel Courtney: Serial Killer?
Brooke Wilberger a Victim of a Serial Killer?
Extradition Requested for Brooke Wilberger Suspect
Man Arrested in Brooke Wilberger Case
Police Seek Clues in Brooke Wilberger Disappearance

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