ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Editor's note: News 8 learned that Adrianne Reynold's killer has been living as a transgender woman for the last few months and has chosen the name Harli Quinn. News 8 will now be referring to her as such.
A Rock Island County judge will consider giving Harli Quinn a shortened prison sentence Wednesday, March 9 for her role in the murder of Adrianne Reynolds that occurred 17 year ago.
It was in 2006 when Quinn and codefendant Sarah Kolb pleaded guilty to killing, burning and dismembering Adrianne Reynolds, their 16-year-old classmate. Upon conviction, Quinn received a 45-year prison sentence.
The 2019 People vs. Buffer Illinois Supreme Court decision declared a sentence greater than 40 years for a minor was a "de facto" life sentence, meaning the sentence is so long that the person will likely spend most or all of their life behind bars.
LISTEN: ‘Missing and Murdered in the Midwest’ Episode 2: Adrianne Reynolds
The Court declared that doing so violates the Eighth Amendment's barring of cruel and unusual punishment unless there is an opportunity for the defendant to later demonstrate maturity and rehabilitation required for release.
In light of the Court's ruling, Quinn filed an appeal for a reduced sentence and, as part of the appeal, was forced to undergo a psych evaluation. After several hearing delays, a judge will decide her fate at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Find the latest updates in the possible resentencing of convicted murderer Harli Quinn below:
10:17 a.m.: Judge Church upholds Quinn's original sentence of 40 years for murder and five years for concealment.
10:15 a.m.: Harli Quinn speaks to the Reynolds family.
"I'm sorry. I know it doesn't make a difference," Quinn said. "I know you will never forgive me. I could never ask for it because I do not deserve it. Every single day, I wish I could bring her back."
9:58 a.m.: Adrianne Reynold's stepmother, Joann, takes the witness stand.
9:53 a.m.: Prosecution and defense agree to submit psychological evaluation into evidence.
9:40 a.m.: Court proceedings have begun. Judge Church referred to Gregory, who now identifies as a transgender woman, as "Miss Quinn."
9:30 a.m.: Lawyers for Quinn and the state have taken their seats. The family of Adrianne Reynolds is in the Rock Island County courtroom. The arrival of the Quinn and Judge Peter Church will signal the start of proceedings.