Groom, 23, faces charges including murder, assault and battery on a pregnant person, aggravated intimidation of a witness and domestic assault and battery in connection with the death of 18-year-old Kylee Monteiro in Rehoboth. Prosecutors have not said whether they will accept the proposed deal. If approved, Monteiro’s sister, Faith, said Groom could become eligible for parole after 12 years.

The defense letter, sent over the summer, cited Groom’s lack of a criminal record and testimony from his grandfather, who described tensions in the household. The letter said Monteiro had been staying with Groom and his family before moving to a shelter for pregnant women. Groom’s grandfather testified that Monteiro later returned to the home, and that Groom became angry, according to the defense account.

Faith Monteiro said the letter’s characterization of her sister was painful and that the proposed sentence would not reflect the loss of Kylee or her unborn child. “I don’t think there’s any reason for anyone to go through what she went through,” she said.

Groom reported Monteiro missing on Aug. 7, 2025, and told authorities she was 11 weeks pregnant. He later admitted to stabbing her and burying her body in the woods on his property, according to prior court proceedings. Before her death, Kylee had graduated from Attleboro High School and hoped to become a welder, her sister said.

Faith and her family are asking people to stand with them at Groom’s next court hearing, scheduled for Oct. 28. It was not clear what would be considered at the hearing or whether Groom would attend. Faith also said she is working to establish a nonprofit in her sister’s memory to help pregnant women in need.