Newark man gets 25 years to life in fatal stabbing
NEWARK – Family members tearfully recounted all they’d lost in Kayla Kemmerling’s death at a court hearing in Newark on Wednesday morning.
A daughter, sister, and mother to two young children, the 24-year-old was killed at her Newark apartment on July 9.
During the court hearing, Assistant Licking County Prosecutor Jenny Gonzalez-wells said Kemmerling’s body was discovered, as well as three young children sleeping in the home, by Newark police officers during a welfare check.
Christian M. Young, 25, of Newark, was subsequently found in Hocking County and arrested. The prosecutor said during an interview with police, he admitted to stabbing Kemmerling multiple times, choking her and sexually assaulting her after he believed she had died, due to her perceived infidelity.
On Wednesday, Young pleaded guilty to one count each aggravated murder, an unclassified felony, and abuse of a corpse, a fifth-degree felony.
According to Gonzalez-wells, a single rape charge was dismissed in the case as part of a plea deal. The state and defense also agreed to a joint recommendation of 25 years to life in prison.
“Kayla was only 24 years of age at the time the defendant took her life. She was the mother of two young children and those children will never get the chance to enjoy a relationship with their mother of love, support and caring. Kayla will never get to see her kids grow,” Gonzalez-wells said. “And the rest of her family, who are here in court today, continue to suffer her loss as well. No amount of time will bring her back. This life sentence, though, can punish the offender and protect our community in the future.”
Seated together in the jury box, Kemmerling’s family members wore face masks which read “#justiceforkayla.” Several family members emotionally addressed the court and Young.
Shawna Kemmerling, one of Kayla Kemmerling’s sisters, told Young, who appeared at the hearing via video conference, if he was there crying, he didn’t get to do that anymore.
“Not only did you take her from us, but we don’t get to see the kids anymore ... It’s just not fair to us. She was like my best friend...yeah, she’s frustrating, but you didn’t have to go and do that,” Shawna Kemmerling said. “We thought of you as the best person she’s ever been with and that’s all gone now. How could you do that to her? I just want to say you got lucky, really, because you deserve way more than what you’re gettin’.”
Another sister, Destiny Kemmerling, through a written statement, spoke of the personal impact her sister’s death has had on her. When she couldn’t continue through her tears, a loved one took over reading her statement.
“I hear tragedies like this on the news and in movies, but you never think it’s going to be something that happens to you. However, it did happen to me. My life was flipped upside down,” he read. Since receiving the life-changing call from her other sister, Kemmerling wrote how she has suffered from anxiety on a daily basis as she grieves her sister’s loss and pictures her final moments.
According to a Newark police report, provided to The Advocate through a records request, officers noted the words “I’ll be back, the end is here” written in blood, along with a pentagram, above the victim’s body. Officers said a knife was stabbed in the middle of the star.
Destiny Kemmerling admitted her sister had gone through some personal trials, but, she said Kayla Kemmerling had loved fiercely, especially her children, and had taken steps to change their lives, only to never see the outcome of those changes.
“My greatest struggle is I have to live with wondering where she is laying her head down right now, hoping she is able to make it to heaven. Kayla did not get to live long. Kayla did not get to see the positive outcomes that came from her changes,” Destiny Kemmerling wrote. “She did not get to see the her life outside of darkness. Kayla did not get to see the beautiful life that she deserved and strived for.”
Richard Kemmerling, the victim’s father, said he wished the death penalty would be imposed immediately on Young and asked the court to consider his daughter and her motherless children during sentencing.
Defense attorney Kort Gatterdam acknowledged there’s nothing he or his client could say that would bring the victim back or offer anything helpful to the victims. Since he was taken into custody, Gatterdam said Young has shown sincere remorse and never asked him to put the family through a long and painful trial.
“I think unfortunately what happened was he simply snapped on a perception of infidelity of the victim. There’s no excuse for that. He’s not trying to offer any excuse,” Gatterdam said, noting he’d filed a not guilty by reason of insanity plea on Young’s behalf. The attorney said there’s never been an issue of competency, but that he believed Young suffered from mental health problems.
During his opportunity to speak, Young said during the 216 days he’s spent in the Licking County jail, he’s thought long and hard about his mistakes. He said the consequences of his actions cannot be avoided and he prayed Kemmerling’s family would find peace.
“I’m sorry. I am so, so sorry. I said it before, I don’t deserve any forgiveness, but I hope and I pray there will come at least a day where I may earn your forgiveness,” Young said crying. “These are only words I can offer to you and I don’t expect you to accept them now, but I pray these words can help you find lasting peace and comfort in the days to come. I am so sincerely sorry and I pray you forgive me.”
Addressing Judge David Branstool, Young said he planned to face the consequences head on, but that he’s asking for a chance to make things right with his children and with Kemmerling’s family.
Branstool said he intended to follow the joint recommendation.
“I know that doesn’t make anybody feel any better, but 25 years is a long time and there’s no guarantee he gets out in 25 years,” Branstool said, echoing Gatterdam’s comment that very few people are released from prison at their first eligibility. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through. These cases are horrible - this one in particular. What happened to her was awful. So I offer my condolences to the family, to both families, and we’ll follow the joint recommendation.”
Branstool imposed a prison term of 25 years to life and granted Young 216 days of credit for time served in jail. The judge ordered Young to pay $824 in restitution to the victim’s family, noting payment won’t be enforced until he’s released from prison. Upon release from prison, Young will be required to complete three years of post-release control.