By Clifford Ward

Special to the Tribune

A Carpentersville woman who stabbed and killed a woman during a fight at a birthday party was sentenced Dec. 22 to probation and community service. She could have been sent to prison for 15 years.

Jacqueline Loyola, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the April 25, 2010, stabbing death of Kassandra Caceres, 20, of Aurora.

Loyola admitted stabbing Caceres repeatedly with a kitchen knife as Caceres scuffled with Loyola’s 16-year-old sister.

Authorities said Caceres was among a group of people who had shown up at Loyola’s birthday party at her family’s home in 2100 block of Tepee Avenue in Carpentersville, and were asked to leave. Caceres reportedly broke a window, sparking the fight.

Defense Attorney David Camic said Loyola believed her sister’s life was in danger.

She could have faced up to 15 years in prison, but Kane County Judge Timothy Sheldon chose probation and 100 hours of community service.

“We’re gratified by the faith the judge showed in Jackie,” Camic said.