MODALE, IA. (WOWT) - A mother is finally feeling relief almost 10 years after her daughter’s death.

On Monday, Michelle Root faced Eswin Mejia in a courtroom for the very first time since Sarah Root died in 2016 .

“I knew right away when he walked in that it was him because that face is burnt into my memory,” said Michelle.

29-year-old Eswin Mejia had his head down in court this week. Michelle says she felt anger and sadness as she looked at him.

“I broke down, I thank God for my sister being there because she was able to console me and help me got through the panic attack I was starting to have,” said Michelle. “It was a lot.”

in 2016, Michelle’s daughter Sarah tragically died, a day after graduating from Bellevue University. Authorities say Mejia, an illegal immigrant, was street

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