A West Virginia woman, Rebakah Weikle, has been sentenced to two life sentences after pleading guilty to the first-degree murder of her four-year-old daughter, Haley, and child abuse resulting in death. The sentence comes after the tragic death of Haley on July 11 or 12, 2022, when she was fatally stabbed in the bedroom of their home in Forest Hill.
Details of the Crime
Weikle, 33, admitted to the brutal killing of her daughter, allegedly motivated by jealousy over her husband’s attention towards Haley. Prosecutors revealed that before the murder, Weikle had been conducting disturbing searches on her phone regarding ways to harm others, including specific queries about lacerations, stab wounds, and the fatal consequences of such injuries.
On the night of the murder, Haley’s father, Rusty Weikle, and Haley’s two brothers went to bed, leaving only Rebakah and Haley awake. Rebakah allegedly instructed Haley to go to bed before retrieving a knife from the kitchen. It was reported that she used a blanket or pillow to cover her daughter’s mouth to prevent the noise from waking her husband. The wound was fatal and caused Haley’s death quickly.
After killing Haley, Weikle allegedly cleaned up the crime scene, hid the knife, and did laundry. She then went to bed, changed her clothes, and later woke her husband, engaging in sexual activity before continuing to search for disturbing information on her phone. The following morning, when her husband asked why Haley wasn’t awake, Weikle coldly responded, “Haley’s dead.” He then discovered Haley’s body and called 911.
Investigation and Motive
Prosecutors said that prior to the killing, Weikle had developed a growing animosity toward her daughter, likely due to jealousy of the attention Haley was receiving from her father. Investigators traced the incriminating phone searches that showed Weikle’s increasing focus on violent methods of harm.
The crime shocked the community, and as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Weikle had carefully planned the murder. She not only carried out the crime but also attempted to cover up her actions before reporting Haley’s death.
Family and Legal Proceedings
Haley’s father, Rusty, was initially charged with murder, but the charge was later dropped after it was determined that he had no involvement in his daughter’s death. He had been unaware of his wife’s plans and was devastated by the horror he awoke to. Rusty later pleaded guilty to child neglect resulting in death and two counts of child neglect that created substantial risk of injury to the children.
The two surviving children, Haley’s brothers, are now living with a relative out of state to ensure their safety and well-being.
Statement from Prosecutors
Summers County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Lefler said in a statement, “The nature of what occurred in this case is heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend. This is a woman who was entrusted with the care of her children, and instead, she took the life of her own daughter out of jealousy and spite.”
Rebakah Weikle is eligible for parole after serving 30 years of her life sentence, though it remains to be seen whether she will ever be granted early release.
A Family’s Tragic Loss
Haley’s death has left her surviving family members devastated. Her father, despite facing charges of neglect, has expressed his sorrow and regret, having lost his young daughter to such an unfathomable act. The case has sparked broader discussions about parental responsibility, mental health, and the horrific consequences of domestic jealousy.
