Adams was sentenced to life in prison but will only be required to serve 20 years after agreeing to testify against his wife, Alysia Adams, and Athena's biological mother.

Justice for Athena came nearly four years after her death. Her disappearance sparked a search effort after a mail carrier found her older sister alone outside their home in Cyril. Athena's remains were later discovered buried near Rush Springs.

Alysia and Ivon Adams were the caregivers of Athena and her sister. At the time, Alysia told investigators that her husband had beaten Athena to death.

However, prosecutors said that story was false.

Caddo County District Attorney Jason Hicks said the medical examiner determined Athena died from starvation and illness. Prosecutors said Alysia starved both girls and kept them locked in a closet, while Ivon failed to intervene.

"It became clear to me that I needed to use Ivon in this case and to testify against Alysia, and he agreed to do that, along with testifying against Jasmin Brownfield in a case that will go to trial here in a couple months for abandoning these children," Hicks said.

The courtroom was emotional as four victim impact statements were read, including one from Athena's older sister, Adina. She wrote that she is happy to be adopted because Ivon and Alysia can no longer hurt her.