An American influencer has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the 2023 murder of his girlfriend, Sheila Cuevas, after attempting to frame his pet dog for the crime.
Kaleb Mickens, known online as “Cash Cartier,” received the sentence on April 7 following a lengthy investigation into the fatal attack. He pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated assault involving domestic violence and drug distribution, according to a statement released by prosecutors.
In 2023, Mickens alerted authorities that Cuevas was not breathing, claiming his dog, Soldier, had attacked her. The investigation quickly debunked this claim.
Forensic evidence revealed that the animal's injuries had no connection to the wounds that killed the woman. As a result, animal control officials removed and euthanized the dog before the truth emerged.
Investigators determined that Mickens had drugged and beaten Cuevas, inflicting the fatal injuries himself.
A pattern of violence
During the trial, several women testified against Mickens, describing a history of abuse and manipulation. Their statements detailed a pattern of behavior involving torment, torture, and sexual assault.
Prosecutors stated that these women provided "impact statements" detailing their survival and the devastation caused by the defendant. These testimonies linked Mickens to other violent crimes beyond the death of Cuevas.
In addition to the 40-year sentence for the murder, Mickens received 20 years for violating parole related to a previous aggravated assault. He also received a 15-year sentence for aggravated assault with a weapon.
Cuevas’s brother addressed the defendant in court, stating that while no justice could bring his sister back, the defendant must face responsibility. "You deserve this," he told Mickens, according to the prosecutor's release.
