Former Missouri School Principal Sentenced to Life for Hiring Hitman to Kill Pregnant Teacher

In a shocking and tragic case, former principal Cornelius Green from Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison after admitting to hiring his friend to kill his pregnant girlfriend, Jocelyn Peters, in 2016. The federal prosecutors revealed that Green stole money from the school to pay Phillip Cutler to commit the heinous act.

It was disclosed that Green, who was married at the time, used funds intended for a school field trip to pay Cutler $2,500 to carry out the murder. The authorities stated that Green and Cutler planned the murder through a series of phone calls and that Green had even sent Cutler a package with the money to finance the horrific act. Shockingly, Peters had been asked by Green to buy potatoes just days before her own murder using the stolen funds.

The Tragic Event

Peters, who was seven months pregnant at the time, was sitting at the kitchen table and preparing baby shower invitations when Cutler entered her apartment with keys provided by Green and shot her, using a potato as a silencer. This horrific act, funded by her own boyfriend, tragically resulted in the loss of both her and her unborn child's lives.

Deceit and Betrayal

Following the murder, Green attempted to establish an alibi by taking a train trip to Chicago and later pretended to have no knowledge of the circumstances leading to the deaths. He even went as far as asking Peters' mother to 'check on her', knowing that she would find her daughter's lifeless body. Green's deceitful actions continued as he feigned surprise when he called 911 to report Peters' death.

Family's Devastation

The heartbroken family of Jocelyn Peters expressed their devastation and grief over the loss of their loved one, emphasizing how she had a positive impact on everyone around her. Peters' cousin, Dedra Peters, and her mother, Lacey Peters, both conveyed the anguish and emptiness caused by the betrayal and heinous actions of Cornelius Green.

Following this tragic incident, Green and Cutler pleaded guilty to the murder of Jocelyn Peters and her baby. Officials also revealed that Green had a history of involvement in multiple romantic relationships and had been implicated in previous harmful actions towards Peters.

Remembrance and Impact on the Community

Jocelyn Peters, a third-grade teacher, was remembered as someone who deeply cared for children and whose untimely death left a lasting impact on the community. Her family and loved ones continue to mourn her loss, emphasizing the love and light she brought into the world.

As this case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and betrayal, the memory of Jocelyn Peters continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her.