BREAKING NEWS: JAMIE LYNN SILVONEK PLEADS GUILTYTO FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN HER MOTHER’S 2015 DEATH

According to information released by Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin, Jamie Lynn Silvonek, 14, who was charged in her mother’s 2015 death pleaded guilty today to first-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence and was sentenced to 35 years to life in state prison.

Silvonek, formerly of 1516 Randi Lane, Upper Macungie Township, entered the plea in a hearing before Lehigh County Judge Maria L. Dantos.

In April 2015, Silvonek, who has been held in the Lehigh County Jail, was charged as an adult in the death of her mother, Cheryl L. Silvonek, 54, whose body was found in South Whitehall Township.

Silvonek’s boyfriend, Caleb Gregory Barnes, 21, was charged with homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and criminal conspiracy. Barnes’s case is scheduled for trial on April 11.

Cheryl Silvonek’s body was found buried under dirt and snow in the 5700 block of Haasadahl Road, South Whitehall Township, on March 15, 2015. Coroner Scott Grim ruled the death a homicide and the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds to the neck.

An autopsy also showed that the victim had contusions, abrasions and sharp force injuries to the head, neck, torso and extremities.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Dimmig said terms of the plea agreement were Silvonek plead guilty to all charges and be sentenced to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum sentence of 35 years.

The only concession the commonwealth made, Dimmig said, was Silvonek will be eligible for parole after serving 35 years.