Woman receives life sentence for kidnapping and death of Norfolk teenager

NORFOLK, Virginia – A chapter in the years-long case of a Norfolk teenager who was kidnapped and then killed in 2020 is ending.

A judge sentenced Crystal Albritton to life in prison for the death of 17-year-old Asia Cowell. The investigation determined that the Granby High School student was killed to prevent her from testifying as a victim in her own rape trial.

Asia's aunt burst into tears as she testified in court, calling her niece “such a bright light.”

Although Asia's death still leaves a void in her family, they now believe that justice has been done.

RELATED TOPICS: Update: Man and two women charged with murder of Norfolk teenager Asia Cowell

Albritton pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and admitted to planning a kidnapping to prevent Asia from testifying.

“She had a big heart,” Asia's aunt said on the witness stand. “She cared about people in a way that sometimes people our age don't care about.”

On September 7, 2020, Asia was lured to Albritton's home before being kidnapped and killed in Newport News with the help of the sister of the man Asia was trying to testify against.

While Friday's life sentence offered the family a moment of closure, they are left with an emptiness knowing their family is still not complete.

“It doesn't bring her back. Anybody who has brothers and sisters has to cherish the time they have with them… you may not see and recognize what you have,” said Asia's brother Adarius Cowell.

Albritton's husband is also charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in Asia Cowell's death. He also pleaded guilty but will be sentenced on September 6.

The charges against the man Asia accused of rape were dropped after her death.

RELATED: Rape charges against man who allegedly raped Asia Cowell dismissed