A 39-year-old woman was forced into a suitcase, driven to a remote area and shot in the head. Nearly four years later, one of the women accused in her killing has pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder and other charges.
On September 17, 2022, at approximately 5 a.m., authorities responded to 4000 East Ashler Hills Drive in Phoenix, Arizona, after a passerby discovered a woman near a hiking trail. Upon arrival, she was found deceased.
The victim was identified as 39-year-old Jennifer Lynn Beede.
Investigators said Jennifer had been involved in sex work and that Crystal Hulsey and Jose Jaquez were acting as her handlers.
According to court records, Hulsey and Jaquez confronted Jennifer at a Phoenix hotel.
Investigators said Jaquez placed a dog leash around Jennifer’s neck before she was forced into a suitcase.
Jennifer was then transported to a remote area near Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway, where she was shot in the head and left inside the luggage.
Her body was discovered the following morning.
Authorities said that in the hours after Jennifer’s killing, Hulsey and Jaquez committed a series of additional crimes.
Investigators said the pair met a man through Tinder, held him at gunpoint inside a Phoenix hotel, obtained his banking information and stole his vehicle.
Both Hulsey and Jaquez initially faced the possibility of the death penalty in connection with Jennifer’s murder.
Jaquez later accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced to life in prison.
On August 13, 2026, 37-year-old Crystal Hulsey pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and aggravated assault.
Her plea also resolved charges connected to crimes committed after Jennifer’s death, including auto theft, aggravated robbery, pandering, prostitution and narcotics possession.
As part of the plea agreement, the death penalty is no longer a sentencing option.
Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the full terms of Hulsey’s plea agreement.
