A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 25 to 80 years behind bars, after pleading guilty to multiple charges connected to the brutal murder of Nicole Cuevas.
The shocking case drew national attention because of the horrific ab*se the victim allegedly endured for weeks before her death. Prosecutors described the residence where the crimes took place as a “house of horrors,” highlighting the extreme violence involved.
Jason Race Sentenced to Life Without Parole
Jason Race, 45, received a sentence of life imprisonment without parole plus an additional 25 to 80 years after pleading guilty to first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, ab*se of a corpse, and several other charges. The sentence was handed down on June 2, 2026, after Race entered a guilty plea on March 25.
As part of the plea agreement, Race waived his right to appeal the conviction. He was also given credit for 815 days already served in custody while awaiting the outcome of the case.
Nicole Cuevas Traveled to Pennsylvania Before Her Death
Nicole Cuevas, 38, and Desiree Linnette, 45, traveled from Michigan to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in February 2023. According to court records, Cuevas later wanted to return home but was allegedly prevented from leaving.
Investigators say she was held inside a residence where she suffered weeks of torture and ab*se. Prosecutors later referred to the property as a “house of horrors” because of the disturbing evidence uncovered during the investigation.
Victim Endured Weeks of Torture
Court documents revealed that Cuevas was subjected to repeated acts of violence over an extended period. Authorities found evidence showing she had been handcuffed to a post and repeatedly beaten.
Investigators also alleged that she was stabbed, slashed, kicked, stomped, and strangled during the weeks leading up to her death. The severity of the ab*se shocked even experienced law enforcement officers involved in the case.
Fatal Attack Occurred During Escape Attempt
According to prosecutors, Cuevas attempted to escape from the house in April 2023. During the attempt, Race allegedly attacked her and stomped on her head, causing fatal injuries.
Following her death, her body was hidden inside the residence. For several months, authorities were unaware of her whereabouts, and the investigation continued until new evidence emerged.
Body Discovered in Basement Grave
Nearly a year after Cuevas was killed, investigators made a grim discovery. In February 2024, authorities found her body buried in a shallow grave in the basement of the home where the ab*se had allegedly taken place.
The discovery provided investigators with crucial evidence and helped strengthen the case against Race and the other individuals accused of involvement in the crimes.
Additional Assault Case Linked to the Basement
Race also pleaded no contest to charges involving the assault of Anthony Cook. According to reports, Cook was held in the same basement where Cuevas’ body was later discovered.
Cook eventually managed to escape through a basement window. He later told investigators that Race, Linnette, and others had accused him of inappropriate contact with a child who allegedly witnessed the torture of Cuevas. His escape provided law enforcement with valuable information about what was happening inside the house.
Multiple Defendants Charged in the Investigation
The investigation led to charges against several individuals connected to the case. In April 2024, authorities arraigned five defendants in relation to Cuevas’ death.
Desiree Linnette pleaded guilty in April 2026. Sarai Doyle also entered a guilty plea to third-degree murder and other charges connected to a separate homicide investigation involving Debra Fox, the owner of the house where Cuevas’ body was found. Authorities have stated that Race was not involved in Fox’s death.
Meanwhile, Faith Beamer and William Benjamin Wolf still face charges and are awaiting trial. Prosecutors continue to pursue the remaining cases as the investigation moves forward.
Prosecutors Continue Seeking Justice
Following Linnette’s guilty plea, Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce stated that law enforcement officials and prosecutors remain committed to pursuing justice until every defendant’s case has been resolved.
Although Race has now been sentenced, legal proceedings involving the remaining defendants are still ongoing. Authorities say they will continue working to ensure accountability for everyone allegedly involved in the crimes.
