Samantha Herbert, 24, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and was sentenced to three years in prison Friday in Anchorage Superior Court for her part in what was described as a drug deal gone wrong.
Herbert was with Jerel Williams when he stormed into the bedroom of Christopher Fulton Jr., 22, in his East Anchorage apartment. Williams, 27, fatally shot Fulton during a struggle, police said.
A witness to the September 2014 shooting told police everyone involved had bought heroin from or sold the drug to one another.
Herbert originally faced second-degree murder and robbery charges. Williams still faces a first-degree murder charge; his trial is set for August.
Superior Court Judge Michael Spaan asked the attorneys why he should accept the plea.
"This looks like a sweet deal to me," he said.
Herbert, who appeared in court wearing Hiland Mountain Correctional Complex prison clothes, did not intend to harm the victim, said defense attorney Marcelle McDannel.
"This was an argument over drugs that got out of control … and Mr. Williams pulled out a gun," McDannel said, adding that her client has expressed remorse about Fulton's death since the case started.
Spaan also noted that Herbert's cooperation in the case against her co-defendant wasn't part of the plea deal. The defense said she would be available to testify.
The plea was accepted and the judge imposed a sentence of six years with three years suspended, as well as five years of probation.
McDannel said Herbert had a medical condition and doctors prescribed opiates to treat it. That's how she became addicted to heroin and started her association with Williams.
Herbert apologized to her family and the victim's for the death. She said the tragedy has turned her life around for the better.
"With a life lost, there was potentially a life saved. Mine," Herbert said, wiping tears from her eyes with a tissue.
She said she could see herself getting into public speaking to deter others from drug use.
"I want to break the cycle," she said.