Newark man gets prison in pre-teen’s death
NEWARK - Keegan Mummey will be nearly 50-years-old when he becomes eligible for parole after he pleaded guilty to an aggravated murder charge in the 2019 shooting death of a 12-yearold Newark girl.
Mummey, 20, of Newark, pleaded guilty to the unclassified felony in Licking County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday morning. As part of a plea agreement, Assistant Licking County Prosecutor Jenny Wells dismissed one count each of rape and tampering with evidence in the case.
On June 21, 2019, Wells said Mummey went to the victim, Isabella Barnes’, Newark home with a loaded Hi-point handgun, which was loaded. The prosecutor said Mummey walked onto the front porch of the home, where Isabella was seated with a friend, and shot her in her head. Isabella was taken to Licking Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
According to Wells, Mummey fled the area on a bicycle and was stopped by Hebron police shortly after. At the time of his arrest, the prosecutor said a bullet was observed falling out of his front pocket.
“Further investigation revealed one of his last messages he had sent just minutes before the shooting indicated he was ‘going to jail,’” Wells said.
In the courtroom, several of Isabella’s family members sat in the jury box, awaiting the outcome of the case.
Asking Judge David Branstool impose a 28-years to life prison sentence, Wells said while no amount of time could bring Isabella back nor give her the opportunity to grow into a beautiful, young woman, it would punish the defendant and protect the community.
“While he was 18 at the time he committed this offense, it cannot be forgotten the horrifying act that he has done. The minimum sentence is not appropriate in this case, Your Honor,” Wells said. “His conduct by putting that gun to that child’s head and pulling the trigger, knowing that would kill her, fleeing after the incident, as well as showing no genuine remorse at all for his actions.”
The prosecutor noted Mummey was more concerned about what would happen to his bicycle than Isabella’s condition, at the time of his arrest.
“Her family and friends have lost her and they’ve suffered greatly. Her violent death has traumatized our community and the first responders who arrived at the scene and witnessed that horrifying act,” Wells said. “The damage caused by this defendant’s heartless actions is far-reaching.”
The prosecutor pointed out that Mummey appeared at the hearing via videoconference in red clothing, signifying he had been in trouble at the jail recently. She said Mummey has been involved in several altercations and been placed on restrictions while incarcerated.
During the hearing, Isabella’s uncle, Nate Kimball, tearfully read a statement written by her brother, Isaiah Barnes, who described how his sister’s death has affected his life.
“Ever since it happened, everything got quiet ... He hasn’t wanted to be outside like he used to be. He’s scared to let his guard down, to tell people his full name. He’s lost so many friends and it’s hard to be happy, like how he used to be, every time he would think about it,” Kimball read. “I remember all the fun times and how I was so proud of having a little sister to look over . ... I think Keegan deserves life in prison because he took a sweet, innocent little girl.”
Defense attorney Stephen Wolfe said a young woman lost her life and there was nothing his client could do to explain or excuse it. He noted Mummey was sent to Twin Valley to restore competency at one point during the case, and was diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and ADHD.
Wolfe added Mummey has been medicated since he was 4-years-old, which has caused some delays. The attorney said none of that is an excuse for what happened.
At the time of the incident, Wolfe said Mummey was 18, but functioning at the level of a 12-year-old according to doctors.
Mummey declined to comment when given the opportunity.