Aiken Man Receives Life Sentence for Double Murder of USC Aiken Student and Mother

Aiken Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Brutal Murder

Aiken, SC – In a heart-wrenching culmination of a tragic case, an Aiken man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of two local women. On November 18, Judge Roger Young imposed the harsh sentence on Guillermo Diaz Jr., who will serve two life sentences as a result of his actions that shook the community to its core.

Details of the Crime

This harrowing incident dates back to October 1, 2020, when Diaz committed a shocking double murder at a residence on Weyerhaeuser Road. The victims, 23-year-old USC Aiken student Cassandra Negrete and her 43-year-old mother Veronica Negrete, were each brutally stabbed over 20 times. It was reported that the crime scene was one of the most horrific that law enforcement officials had ever encountered.

Deputy Solicitor Ashley Hammack provided chilling details from the scene, stating, “Mr. Diaz indicated he was the one who had done this. He smeared blood all over the walls and wrote some names and comments on the walls.” It was a gruesome display that left many in the area in shock.

The Plea and Sentencing

Diaz entered a guilty but mentally ill plea, which means he acknowledges the crime but asserts that he was not fully in control of his actions due to mental health issues. Although this plea allows him access to mental health programs during his incarceration, Diaz will still face the severe consequences of his actions. “Though he pleaded guilty but mentally ill, Diaz will still serve his sentence,” Hammack confirmed.

When it comes to the law surrounding such crimes, murder is classified as a felony with a range of punishment that can extend from 30 years to life in prison—or even the death penalty in extreme cases. Diaz faced two counts of murder as well as two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Reaction from the Community

In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Aiken has been mourning the loss of Cassandra and Veronica Negrete. Friends and fellow students have come together, remembering the lives of the two women who had a bright future ahead of them. The sadness and anger reverberate through the community, as many can’t wrap their heads around such senseless violence.

Community leaders have expressed their condolences and emphasized the importance of standing united during such dark times. They hope that sharing memories of Cassandra and Veronica and advocating for mental health resources can be a path toward healing for everyone connected to this heartbreaking event.

The Road Ahead

As the legal proceedings wrap up, the focus shifts to the broader implications of this tragic case. There’s an urgent call for conversations surrounding mental health, violence prevention, and support for victims’ families in Aiken and beyond. Everyone is hoping that no other community has to endure a similar fate.

Life for Diaz now consists of a lengthy prison sentence, but the effects of this crime will linger in the hearts of many. The Negrete family’s story is a solemn reminder that behind every crime is a story of loss and sorrow, and that every community must come together to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the clouds gather above Aiken this afternoon, some rain is expected to develop, with a high of 66°F. Winds will be gentle from the south, but there’s an 80% chance of rain later in the day. It seems fitting for a city still grappling with grief to receive a little rain as nature mirrors the community’s heavy heart.