What was this woman thinking when she turned down a minimum four year plea deal on charges that she participated in the kidnapping and attempted castration of her ex-boyfriend? She was convicted Wednesday and now must get a minimum sentence of 18 years. The facts are horrendous:

Melissa French, 27, was convicted Wednesday and faces at least 18 years in prison -- more than any of the attackers, all of whom accepted plea deals with prosecutors.

The men attacked Donald Hamilton at his Santa Fe home in June 2002. A Russian assault rifle was placed in Hamilton's mouth and later fired between his legs, and the word "narc" was carved into his forehead with a pocketknife. He suffered separated shoulders, stab wounds and broken bones.

French was acquitted of kidnapping Hamilton, but convicted of kidnapping his roommate, who was held down during the attack.

Her lawyer said he is shocked by the jury's verdict:

He said French's 3-year-old daughter, who suffers from cancer, will be dead and her 10-year-old son will be grown by the time French is released.

Then why didn't she take the deal? Especially with the others, including her ex-husband, testifying against her that they were doing her bidding?