SEATTLE — A man accused of killing 56-year-old Mavis Kindness Nelson was sentenced to 34 years in prison on Friday.
“I believe that justice has been served finally for my sister. I am happy that with the turnout, he will serve the rest of his life in there where he should have,” said Ernestine Morning Owl, Nelson’s sister.
In October of 2022, Charles Becker was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful imprisonment, and sexually violating the human remains of Nelson. Last week, Becker pleaded guilty to all charges.
In his guilty plea, Becker admitted to smothering Nelson and stabbing her with a knife, and that the murder was premeditated. But when offered to speak in court, said nothing.
“No spirit. No soul. Forever with no remorse. Not even a sorry. Not even just anything. And that just tells me that he is just a monster. A monster that I am happy he is being put away and deserves what he gets,” said Morning Owl.
Nelson was first reported missing in April 2022. According to charging documents, Becker killed the mother of three, stored her body in his home, dismembered it, and then threw it away.
Her remains were found in June near the University of Washington next to the Burke-Gilman trail.
This isn’t the first death Becker has been charged with. In 2015, he was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in the death of his 4-month-old son.
Although the judge wanted to sentence Becker to life in prison, he noted that his hands were tied by an agreed-upon sentence from both sides.
“We will never get Auntie Boots’ hugs. We will never get the kiss on top of our head stroked by her,” said Nelson’s niece. “She’s irreplaceable.”
Charlene Tillequots of the Yakima Nation said the crisis has impacted the Yakima Nation and all Indigenous people.
“Everyone here knows someone who has been murdered or violated,” said Tillequots. “Each instance is a human life, a productive member of our family, and a carrier of our customs and traditions.”
Earlier this week, the Justice Department announced a new program to help solve missing, murdered Indigenous persons cases.
©2023 Cox Media Group
