NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) — A woman pleaded guilty to her role in the death of a Norfolk schoolteacher on New Year's Eve.
Teniqu Cushman on Tuesday pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit first-degree murder. She also reportedly agreed to testify against Edward Shaw in his upcoming murder trial.
50-year-old Caroline Hendrix, a preschool teacher at Oceanair Elementary School, was shot and killed in what prosecutors said was a case of mistaken identity.
Shaw is charged with first-degree murder and is currently expected to go on trial next March.
Prosecutors agreed not to indict any more charges against Cushman. Her attorney said she is scheduled for sentencing on April 12, where she faces up to 10 years in prison.
She defended Cushman's actions outside of court.
"The charge itself and what happened to Ms Hendrix doesn't reflect Ms Cushman's character at all," said Kristin Paulding. "I know this is something Ms Cushman did not intentionally want to go through. I don't think she ever wanted this to be the end result. But ultimately, Mr. Shaw made the decisions he did after certain conversations they had. It was a tragic ending all around."
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