( CNN ) -- A Massachusetts woman found guilty in the first-degree murder of her pregnant friend has been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole , according to Worcester Superior Court . Julie Corey , who was 35 at the time of the crime , was convicted in 2009 . She was found to have bludgeoned and strangled her friend , Darlene Haynes , 23 , before cutting the baby from the victim 's womb . Haynes ' body was found in her apartment on July 27 , 2009 . She was eight months pregnant at the time of her death . Days after the murder , Haynes ' baby was found with Corey in New Hampshire . DNA evidence and a fingerprint on a bottle at the crime scene tied Corey to the killing , the district attorney 's office said . According to trial testimony , Corey tried to pass the baby off as her own to family and friends , the statement said . `` It 's probably the most horrific case this office has seen , '' said Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. `` This woman was killed for her baby . '' `` There was no surprise in the sentence . It is a mandatory sentence under Massachusetts statutory law . A notice of appeal has been filed , '' said Corey 's attorney , Michael C. Wilcox .
Julie Corey was convicted in 2009 of murdering her pregnant friend Darlene Haynes . Haynes ' baby was found with Corey shortly after the murder . Court says Corey tried to pass the baby off as her own . Corey 's attorney says a notice of appeal has been filed .