Yuma murder suspect accepts plea agreement for brutal killing of a 31-year-old man

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - More than a year after the brutal murder of a Yuma man, one of the two suspects has accepted a plea agreement.

Jonissa Jones was arrested for allegedly drugging, disarming, shooting and stabbing 31-year-old Derek Runnion multiple times before burning his body.

She has now pleaded guilty to all of the charges, in exchange for the possibility of parole after 25 years in prison.

Derek's dad, Michael Runnion, feels relieved Jones did not drag out this case after the pain it has already caused their family.

"I think she felt that she better take the plea agreement because she was realizing that she was going to be found guilty anyway," Michael stated.

Although this case is almost closed, it doesn't bring back the brother, son and roommate who was loved by his family.

"There was a time when his phone was still active and I would call him just to hear his voice in the phone," Michael explained.

Jones will be sentenced next month.

The other defendant, Erick Chavez, will go to trial. That's set for next March.