Jessica Dayton was found guilty of first degree murder this afternoon in the death of Curtis Bailey of Marengo. Dayton, 20, of Belle Plaine was charged in the July 18, 2009 death of Bailey in his Marengo home. Also charged in the case was Denise Frei, Bailey’s girlfriend and Jacob Hilgendorf, Belle Plaine, Frei’s son. Their trial has been scheduled for early next year.
The Iowa County jury returned the verdict shortly after 2:30 p.m. Tuesday after deliberating just over one day. Defense rested after not calling any witnesses. Dayton’s attorney maintained that the prosecution did not prove that Dayton had any direct involvement with Bailey’s death.
Dayton was taken from the courtroom back to the Iowa County Jail, where she awaits sentencing. A first degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence in Iowa.