1 of 8 charged in kidnapping, murder of Pennsylvania man pleads guilty but mentally ill

INDIANA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Authorities say one of eight individuals charged in the 2022 kidnapping and killing of a 19-year-old Pennsylvania man is facing life in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill.

Taylyn Edwards, now age 20, of Johnstown, reportedly conspired with seven others to kidnap and killHayden Garreffa.

Police say Garreffa's body was found in a remote, wooded area in Brush Valley Township in October of 2022. He had reportedly been stabbed and stomped on prior to his death, according to investigators.

Affidavits allege the multiple co-defendants told police thatIsaac Buchkoski assaulted Garreffa by striking him inhis head, face and torso.

Police say Edwards then admitted that she andSummer Settlemyer stabbed Garreffa several times.

Authorities say all of the individuals, includingHarmony Hayward, a teenager who waslater charged as an adult in the case, admitted to planning to kidnap and assault the victim. Desean Alvarez, Mia Catalfano, Thomas Rivera and Jesse Wadsworth all admitted to being present at the time of Garreffa's death.

Prosecutors say on Friday, Edwards pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.

The court accepted the plea only after Edwards reportedly provided evidence of suffering from mental illness at the time of the crime. Authorities note that, as part of the plea, she will be required to undergopsychiatric or psychological treatment while in prison.

Edwards faces life in prison without the possibility of parole and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 19.

According to online court records, the cases for the other seven co-defendants are still pending in court.