Firk Polli

Men in handcuffs. I open to hear the jail’s experiences

[offender42085]

Post 1528

Christopher "Cuko" Vasata, Florida inmate W45460, born 1992, incarceration intake July 2019 at age 26, sentenced to life in prison; prior incarceration in February 2014 at age 21 for one year and released February 2015

Murder, Grand Theft Auto; with prior convictions for Possession of Controlled Substances, Sale/Manufacture/Delivery of Marijuana

In June 2019, a jury's vote failed to achieve a unanimous verdict for the death sentence at Christopher Vasata's murder trial. After the jury's decision was made public, a judge sentenced Vasata to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Although the verdict form showed jurors agreed the prosecutors proved the aggravating factors to justify the death penalty, they could not all come to an agreement. At least one juror voted to impose a sentence life in prison without parole.

During closing arguments, Vasata's public defender asked jurors to show him mercy and allow him to live the rest of his life in prison. 

In the two-day sentencing phase, the defense team called on those closest to Vasata, his family and friends, to testify to his character. "He's caring, he's protective, he's my only big brother and the best big brother I could ever ask for," said his younger sister.

The defense team also brought in a neurological expert to talk about the impact a car crash from 2012 could have had on Vasata's brain. 

"It's just that, in the moment quick decision making, that's impaired," said a neurologist who testified as an expert witness.  But prosecutor cross-examination tried to show there was no evidence the car crash produced a traumatic head injury. 

During closing arguments the prosecutor reminded jurors of the "cold, calculated, and pre-meditated" actions that led to the deaths of the three victims on Super Bowl Sunday in February 2017, two victims who were not even targets.

The prosecutor reminded jurors that Sean Henry, who was a target, was shot 17 times.

The verdict form suggests the jurors believed those aggravating factors outweighed any mitigating factors presented by the defense team during the sentencing phase of the trial, but still chose life in prison. 

Vasata was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for three counts of first degree murder for the deaths of three people. He was also sentenced to life for attempted first degree murder and 5 years for grand theft auto, all connected to the shooting.

Subsequent appeals were not successful.

6y

[luigiquotes]

[firkpolli]

[offender42085]

Post 0058

John Radavich, Washington State inmate 419827, born 1997, incarceration intake in 2021 at age 24, sentenced to Life without the possibility of parole

Murder

Convicted for killing new boyfriend, Robert Tester, (who happened to be a nephew of Montana Senator) of ex-partner,

Robert Tester was found savagely killed in September 2016. His 8-year-old daughter was home at the time of the stabbing. As the judge announced the Radavich’s sentence, she said, “The ugliness of it will stay with me a long time,” according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. “It shook  the community.”

Radavich appealed his conviction on procedural grounds.  The appellate court in a 40-page opinion affirmed the conviction.

1z

Last reviewed August 2024

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[offender42085]

Post 1448

The judge said, "You can act as stoic as you like, like you don't care, but you care," the judge said. "Everybody that's about to get locked up and get boxed up for the rest of their life, they care." The inmate responded, "Nah, I'm good.”

Nicholas Fiebka, NewYork inmate 24B3417, born 2003, incarceration intake August 2024 at age 21, sentenced to life without parole

Murder, Criminal possession of a weapon, Criminal intent

In August 2024, a Schenectady New York man found guilty the prior June of murdering his mother and her longtime boyfriend in November of 2022 was sentenced to life behind bars without the possibility of parole Friday.

Nicholas Fiebka, 21, received the maximum sentence for his crimes, after appearing before the Judge in Schenectady County Court. The courtroom was nearly full with loved ones of the victims, Alesia Wadsworth and William "Bill" Horwedel.

The murders in this case were not just some random act of violence. These weren't random victims. This wasn't the result of someone snapping," the Schenectady County Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney said in court. "These murders were a continuation and escalation of [Fiebka's] threatening behavior toward his mother and Bill for years before this occurred."

Wadsworth -- 59 at the time of the murder -- and Horwedel -- 61 at the time -- were gunned down in November 2022, in their Princetown home. A doorbell camera captured the moments a masked man charged into the residence, moments before prosecutors said he fired 44 times in 24 second, killing the pair. During the investigation, officers concluded that the masked man was Fiebka, who was 19 years old at the time, after cell phone records reportedly placed him in the same location and time of the murder while connecting to the home's Wifi.

At the time, Fiebka did not live with Wadsworth or Horwedel. His mother obtained an order of protection against him in Dec. 2021, which remained in effect at the time of the murder. Prosecutors described how, the night she was killed, Fiebka's mother had still left food out on the counter for him to eat.

"He went from a kid with behavioral issues to a destructive, violent man," the DA said.

She went on to describe instances in which Fiebka allegedly terrorized his mother by going into her bedroom, dressed in all black, with a hammer and standing over her, and how Fiebka previously tortured animals and set fires in his mother's home.

In response, Fiebka's defense attorney, argued that Fiebka's mental health issues caused him to do something horrific that he might not otherwise have done, and that he should receive treatment as part of his sentence, and perhaps be released in a few decades if he showed growth. But the Judge did not relent.

"You know what you got coming, or you think you know what you got coming," the judge said to Fiebka, after attorneys had shared their statements. "For you, angry, resentful, bully who murders parents with [an] AK-47, there's no support group waiting for you in DOCCS [New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision], let me tell you that."

Before the judge made his decision, Fiebka, whose attorney said he did not intend to speak, interjected and said that he did want to make a statement after all. "I'm a servant of God, and they can paint whatever picture they want, but God knows who I really am in my heart, and how pure it is," Fiebka said.

At the end of the court appearance, Fiebka was given the maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for both of his first-degree murder charges, to be served consecutively; 15 years, plus a 5-year term of post-release supervision for each of the two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree in against him; 7 years of state incarceration, plus a 3-year term of post-release supervision for the two criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree charges against him; and additional years behind bars for other charges in connection with the Nov. 2022 murders. The judge also ordered Fiebka to pay restitution to cover funeral costs for the victims, which Fiebka has the right to appeal within 30 days.

"You can act as stoic as you like, like you don't care, but you care," the judge said. "Everybody that's about to get locked up and get boxed up for the rest of their life, they care."

"Nah, I'm good," Fiebka said in response.

"We'll see how good you are," the judge replied.

5u

[offender42085]

Reblog

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[theicuff]

[offender42085]

Post 1482

During sentencing, he said he "absolutely nothing to do" with the killing...

Thomas Charles Olson, Michigan inmate 791891, born 1988, incarceration intake April 2024 at age 35, scheduled for earliest possible release October 2047 with full release April 2085

Homicide, Use of a Weapon in the Commission of a Felony

In April 2024, a white man accused of harboring anti-Asian bigotry was sentenced to spend over 20 years behind bars for the cold case murder of a Hmong hunter who was shot and killed during deer season on Michigan state land in 2018.

Thomas Charles Olson, 35, was convicted by a Clinton County jury on one count each of murder in the second degree and felony firearm possession in February. He has always maintained his innocence.

Chong Moua Yang, 68, was shot in the back of the head while hunting in one of his frequent spots, the Rose Lake State Wildlife Area in Bath Township Michigan, on Nov. 16, 2018. His murder went unsolved for years.

In December 2022, Olson and another man, Robert Rodway, 35, were arrested on charges of felony murder and felony firearm possession in the case. Charges against Rodway were dismissed without prejudice by the Michigan Attorney General in September 2023.

Initially, the pair were charged with felony murder on the theory that they also stole Chang's belongings after his murder. The second-degree murder charge was added as an alternative theory in 2023.

The Judge sentenced Olson to spend at least 22-and-a-half years, and up to 60 years, in prison on the murder charge; he was also sentenced to two years in prison for the firearm possession charge. Under state law, the sentence for the lesser charge must be served first. The since-condemned man also received credit for nearly a year of time served in pretrial detention.

During trial, prosecutors relied on text messages between Olson and his hunting partner on the day of the murder. Those messages contained jokes about Yang's death, discussed "the killing field," racial slurs, shooting at sounds, and hunting human beings.

"A couple of cold-blooded killers revisiting the crime scene," one such message, attached to an April 2020 photo of Olson and his friend at Rose Lake. In another message, one of the men sent the other an image of the reward poster for information about Yang's death put up by his family. This photo was captioned: "They haven't caught ya."

Defense attorneys argued the messages were dark jokes but the state argued they were admissions by the accused.

Prosecutors also used GPS data to show that Olson was in the general area of where Yang was killed that day. The defense said that data only showed Olson being within 600 yards of the deceased — not necessarily close enough to prove he could have shot and killed him.

The state admittedly did not provide a motive. The state argued that Olson fired a shotgun at Yang intending to scare him — possibly because of the anti-Asian bias shown in the text messages.

While largely circumstantial, the state's case included the presence of Olson's DNA on a plastic bag containing a bottle of deer spray. That bag was discovered several hundred yards away from Yang's body. Olson readily admitted it was his but insisted he had nothing to do with the murder, The state argued the felony murder theory, suggested Olson used the bag to carry some of Yang's stolen goods. The deceased man was found without his headlamp, knife, backpack and shotgun.

There were also cellphones searches which implicated Olson. He had looked for information about the incident before police publicly revealed a hunter had been killed. One of his defense attorneys, however, said Olson went back to Rose Lake the next morning and noticed a substantial police presence in the area — prompting him to search for information about what happened.

After roughly 18 hours over three days, jurors convicted the civic-minded killer; Olson previously served as Clinton County's green space coordinator for five years and was the president of the Friends of the Maple River, an environmental nonprofit organization.

During sentencing, he said he "absolutely nothing to do" with the killing and wanted Yang's family to get "the true justice they deserve."

5d

[offender42085]

Post 1426

Christian William Hillman, Michigan inmate 390305, born 1998, incarceration intake August 2017 at age 19, scheduled for release April 2039

Homicide - Murder, 2nd Degree

In September 2023, a man who “savagely beat” a retiree in a church parking lot during a 2016 road rage incident in southern Kent County has lost a bid to have the Michigan Supreme Court consider his case. 

Christian Hillman was 18 at the time when a jury in Grand Rapids found him guilty of second-degree murder.  According to testimony, he fought with 64-year-old William McFarlan in a church parking lot, knocking McFarlan to the ground.  

Hillman then kicked McFarlan repeatedly in the head with steel-toed boots. McFarlan never recovered and died in a hospital a month later. 

In 2017 a Kent County judge sentenced Hillman to 22.5 to 100 years in prison, calling the attack “heinous and vicious." The Court of Appeals upheld the sentence in 2019.

Hillman’s legal team filed another challenge, asking that he be resentenced by another judge.   A three-judge panel earlier in 2023 said no, finding there was no evidence the judge imposed an invalid sentence. 

In a one-page order, the Michigan Supreme Court denied a request to review the case.  Hillman, aged 25 in 2023, was locked up at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian, Michigan. He’ll be 41 years old when he can first be considered for release. 

Hillman was on a dirt bike and McFarlan was in a pickup when they got into a confrontation along Whitneyville Avenue SE. They pulled into a church parking lot, where McFarlan was knocked unconscious and kicked in the head and ribs. 

A Kent County jury deliberated for about 30 minutes before finding Hillman guilty of second-degree murder for the September 2016 attack. 

5u

[offender42085]

Post 0183

Muhamnmad Altantawi, Oakland County (Michigan) inmate 434182, Michigan inmate 724497, born 2001, incarceration (with DOC) intake September 2022 at age 21, scheduled for earliest possible release August 2052, with full discharge of sentence August 2077

Homicide

Initially charged with the murder of his mother, arrested as an under 18, and later transferred to adult jail.  Transferred to adult Jail in July 2020, still incarcerated as of February 2022. Matter went to the State Supreme Court, where the court ruled that Police were improper with their questioning. 

At trial, he was convicted in March 2022.

Sentenced to 35-60 years in prison. The roughly five years he’s already spent in jail will count toward his sentence.

Nada Huranieh, Al-Tantawi’s mother, was 35 when she died in August 2017. Al-Tantawi was 16 at the time. 

A jury found him guilty of premeditated murder in March of 2022. Al-Tantawi pleaded not guilty during trail and has continued to claim he did not kill his mother.

“To say that this was a horrible situation is an understatement,” the Judge said. “When the death of one’s mother, as the jury found, is perpetrated by her son, it’s even more heinous.”

The jury took just two hours to deliberate, accepting the prosecution’s argument that Al-Tantawi smothered his mother with a toxin-soaked cloth and then pushing her already-dead body from a second story window of their home in Farmington Hills.

Having waived his right to an attorney at a hearing in August, Al-Tantawi represented himself Sept. 21. The sentencing took roughly four hours, with most of the event featuring Al-Tantawi’s lengthy list of challenges and disagreements with the prosecution’s case.

Al-Tantawi, who appealed his sentence minutes after it was read, objected to  the relevance of information gathered at the time of the murder when he was still a teen. He also claimed he’s been discriminated against because he’s Muslim and the son of Syrian immigrants.

Previously, Al-Tantawi’s lawyer at the time appealed that information-gathering process to the Michigan Supreme Court, but the information police gathered during the initial investigation was deemed admissible in court.

Having spent five years in jail, Al-Tantawi argued his more recent past, spending 5 years in jail, should play a bigger role in the judge’s decision.

“There is no way this is more relevant than the last five years I’ve had,” he said.

The judge denied most of Al-Tantawi’s challenges, which included him asking to remove information from police reports and his own descriptions of what happened in 2017. The judge said she’d never sat through a four hour sentencing before this one.

“I sat through a trial,” Anderson said. “I’ve sat through five years of this case. I am more intimately familiar with the facts of this case than anyone other than the prosecution and yourself.”

Aya Al-Tantawi, one of the convicted’s two younger sisters, read a victim impact statement from her mother’s family back in Syria, where Huranieh and her husband, who she had been in the process of divorcing at the time of her death, are from.

“Nada was an amazing human who was kind and generous to those in her life,” the statement from Huranieh’s parents, brothers and sisters reads. “Her life ended in a treacherous and despicable way … All we wish for is the court provides justice and hold him accountable for his actions.”

Aya Al-Tantawi also read her own statement, noting the challenges growing into young adulthood without her mother has brought. She also expressed forgiveness to her brother.  "I have to live with waking up every morning wondering when things are going to be OK,“ she said.

Al-Tantawi’s father, Bassel Al-Tantawi, also read part of a statement before the Judge stopped him. The Judge said the statement wasn’t an actual victim impact statement, but a defense of his son.

Huranieh and Bassel Al-Tantawi had been living apart for over a year at the time of her death. Bassel Al-Tantawi had pleaded no contest to a domestic violence charge regarding his wife and was wearing a GPS tether when she died.

2f

Last reviewed June 2025

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[offender42085]

Post 0479

“You are suffering the consequences of the sentence that was imposed.” --Judge

Brandon M Fox, Florida inmate N51790, born 1999, incarceration intake April 2023 at age 23, scheduled for release August 2047

Possession of Photographs-Child Sex Performance

In August 2023, a former Daytona Beach Police officer tried to withdraw his plea to possession of child sexual assault material, saying that his defense attorney had told him he would be sentenced to no more than five years.

But instead of five years, Brandon Michael Fox was sentenced to 25 years in state prison. And that's what his sentence will remain after Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburn denied Fox's request to withdraw his plea.

The hearing included testimony from Fox's former attorney Aaron Delgado. It also included testimony that Fox and his sister had discussed hiring a private investigator to tail a prosecutor and a police detective.

Fox had been with the Daytona Beach Police Department for two years before his arrest in April 2022. Investigators found about 100 images and videos of child sexual abuse material on his phone and said Fox also participated in an online chat room on Kik in which group members shared more than 3,800 illegal images.

Fox entered no contest pleas to 38 counts of possession of sexual performance by a child, each punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It was an open plea, but prosecutors agreed to waive a minimum sentence of 63 years. That gave the judge a wide sentencing range: from no jail time all the way to 570 years in prison.

Blackburn sentenced Fox on March 15, 2023 to the 25 years in prison followed by 45 years of sex offender probation. Fox must also register as a sex offender.

At the hearing Fox testified that Delgado had told him he would face no more than five years in prison if he entered the plea agreement.

During cross examination, Assistant State Attorney Mark Interlicchio asked Fox whether in court on January 18, 2023 when he accepted the plea agreement if he said he had been promised no more five years.

"You never mentioned … this promise of five years, none of that,” Interlicchio said. “I was under the impression that my attorney had my best interest,” Fox said.

Judge Blackburn then told Fox to answer the question. Interlicchio repeated the question and Fox said, “No, sir.”

During questioning by his new attorney, Asad Ali, Fox said that after the sentence Delgado told him, “Oh, I didn’t expect that to happen. ”

Delgado took the stand and testified that prosecutors had at one point offered Fox 15 years in prison and that he would have to register as a sex offender. Later they reached an agreement on an open plea with the state waiving the minimum guideline sentence.

Delgado repeatedly denied guaranteeing Fox at any time that the prison sentence would be no greater than five years. Ali did not cross-examine Delgado.

The judge said she reviewed the plea form with Fox at the January plea hearing and she read portions which stated that Fox agreed no one had promised him a specific sentence and that he understood the judge was not required to follow any state recommendation.

Blackburn said that Fox, who is serving his time at Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, “you are suffering the consequences of the sentence that was imposed.”

As the judge ruled, Fox lowered and shook his head.

3d

Last reviewed October 2025

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[offender42085]

Post 0427

Alexander West, New York inmate 17A2471, born 1992, incarceration intake in 2017 at age 25, parole eligible April 2022. earliest release date December 2024, released to parole February 2025, full sentence satisfaction April 2032

Manslaughter, Assault, Criminal Negligent Homicide, Leaving Scene of Boat Accident resulting in Death

In 2017, a Lake George, New York man was sentenced to spend between 5 and 15 years in state prison, following a boat crash in summer 2016 that left an 8-year-old girl dead. 

In July 2016, Courtney McCue was sitting on a summer evening with her daughter Charlotte in her lap.  They were on a boat out on Lake George.  In testimony, the mother said the lake was her family’s favorite place, a refuge.

Out of the darkness came Alex West’s boat.  He rammed them and the propeller from the boat’s engine killed the 8-year-old girl instantly.  

McCue testified as part of Alex West’s sentencing.  He was convicted of manslaughter charges and also for fleeing the scene.   Speaking before the judge passed sentence, Warren County prosecutor Kate Hogan called for the maximum sentence, up to 22 years behind bars.  "He has never once shown any remorse.  He has never accepted responsibility,“ Hogan said.

Alex West also spoke.  The young man was drinking and using drugs before the crash.  There was also testimony that he worked deliberately to avoid a sobriety checkpoint, before speeding across the lake toward the McCue’s boat.  Standing in striped prison fatigues, West described the crash as an accident and voiced regret.

“I want Charlotte’s family to know and I want you to know, your Honor, that my not-guilty plea and my going to trial does not mean that I don’t regret being involved in the accident that killed Charlotte.”

In the end, Judge John Hall pointed out that this was Alex West’s first known criminal activity – he had no prior arrests or convictions.  He said there was no sign that West would be a threat to the community in the future and said the crash and the death of Charlotte McCue weren’t intentional.

Judge Hall then assigned a sentence that could mean West serving as few as five years or up to fifteen years in state prison.

West was piloting the boat with 4 other passengers.  At the time of accident, the other 4 individuals were also arrested and charged with crimes.  All 4 were charged with Hindering Prosecution, and 3 were charged with making false statements or offering false documentation.  

3u

Last reviewed September 2025

[offender42085]

Reblog with demographic updates – released to parole

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[arrestdujour]

Kelly, Michael Leeland

JID Number: 01148015 Age: 21 Arresting Agency: Boise City Police Department

Charge Count: 2

 Register for notification on changes to inmate's custody status.

M Driving Under the Influence Warrant $600.00

M Accident-Fail to Notify Upon Striking Unattended Vehicle Warrant Included

Bail Total: $600.00

[cuffedandshackledjocks]

Perfection

[offender42085]

Post 0540

Tyler Merkle, Ohio inmate A691559, born 1989, incarceration intake in November 2016 at age 27, sentenced to 5 years, released from custody January 2021

Sexual Battery

Former Chardon Schools’ tutor and assistant coach Tyler P. Merkle admitted in August 2016 to having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 15-year-old Chardon High School student.

Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge David Fuhry sentenced the now 27-year-old to five years in prison and fined him $4,000 for his conduct.

In so doing, the court adopted the recommendation of prosecutors that Merkle be given 60 months in prison on each of four counts of sexual battery, which the sentences to run together. Fuhry also imposed a $1,000 fine on each of the counts.

Merkle had agreed earlier to plead guilty to four counts of sexual battery, a high-tier felony of the third degree. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to dismiss eight other felony counts at sentencing.

Fuhry told Merkle his actions were not just socially unacceptable, they were criminal.  “It was felonious; these aren’t misdemeanors,” he said. “They are sex offenses. Sex offenses are treated seriously.”

Those sex offenses branded Merkle a Tier III sex offender, noted Fuhry, requiring him to register in person with the sheriff in the county in which he resides every 90 days for life.

“I take note of the collateral (reporting) consequences, they are severe,” he said. “I take note, too, that this was a sex offense visited on a minor and you knew her age. This wasn’t a case of mistaken age.”

Fuhry told Merkle he knew his conduct was illegal, because he researched it and knew he could go to prison for it. And, even after he looked up the potential consequences, he added Merkle persisted in his conduct.

“That’s what we call blatant disregard for the law,” said Fuhry, adding Merkle presumable was mature enough to understand right from wrong. “You knew this was as wrong as wrong could be.”

The judge also noted, before pleading guilty when Merkle violated conditions of his bond by having contact with the victim through a digital music application called Spotify.

While the court recognized the many positive things Merkle has done in his life, “they don’t cancel out what happened here.”

Although he had provided a written statement to the probation department, Merkle told Fuhry he was sorry for his actions.

“I apologize to everyone involved that had no reason to be involved because of my mistake. From the top down, from (the victim) to her family, to my family, my friends, the community, the school district, the football team, the coaches, everyone,” he said. “I caused this and it could have been avoided with better judgment.”

Defense counsel Rick Perez requested Merkle avoid prison time and be sentenced to community control.

While Perez told Fuhry that Merkle was not making any excuses for his conduct, he pointed out the victim was the one who made the initial contact.

“He didn’t teach her, he didn’t coach her, he didn’t have her in study hall,” Perez said, adding Merkle knew the victim’s brother and that is why she texted him.

Merkle texted her back and during the summer of 2015 the texting became more frequent, Perez said.

“In the fall, they started seeing each other,” he explained. “He realizes now he should have put the brakes on everything. He let it go a little too far and all of a sudden he fell in love with her.”

Perez told Fuhry if the victim were present in the courtroom, he would assume she would not be asking the court to impose any type of penalty on his client.

“I know her parents feel differently and that’s their right,” he acknowledged.

Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said there are consequences for criminal conduct and having sexual conduct with a minor is a serious offense, especially when the defendant is in a position of trust such as a teacher.

“When you’re in a position of authority like that and you take advantage of the situation and manipulate a young girl into a sexual relationship, that’s really bad conduct,” he said. “That’s exactly what happened here.”

Added Flaiz, “This is a 15-year-old girl who’s manipulated by the defendant and engaged in a long-term sexual relationship with him.”

The prosecutor told Fuhry the damage to the victim is probably irreparable.

Merkle initially was placed on administrative leave from school, where he served as a part-time tutor, study hall monitor and assistant football coach.

The inappropriate conduct occurred between Dec. 1, 2015, and April 12, 2016.

Subsequent appeals were unsuccessful.

3m

[offender42085]

Post 0144

David Bogdanov, Washington inmate 429555, born 1994, incarceration intake 2021 at age 27, scheduled release date not published

Murder 

In September 2021, David Bogdanov was sentenced to 19½ years in prison in the murder of Nikki Kuhnhausen, a 17-year-old transgender teenager who went missing in 2019.  Her body was later found on Larch Mountain.

A Clark County Superior Court jury found Bogdanov, guilty of second degree murder and malicious harrassment, now legally called a hate-crime offense in Washington, in Kuhnhausen’s death.

His sentence was at the top of the range for the two crimes — 234 months for second-degree murder and 12 months for malicious harassment to run concurrently.

Before announcing the sentence, the Judge became emotional as he spoke about the way Bogdanov strangled Kuhnhausen with a phone charger cord and then dumped her body on Larch Mountain. He said he was “struck by the darkness in this case.”

The Defense attorney requested a low-end sentence of 11 years, noting that Bogdanov had no prior criminal history. Bogdanov claimed self-defence at the trial. He testified that when he pushed Kuhnhausen away and yelled at her to get out of his car, she lunged for a loaded gun he had near the driver’s seat. Bogdanov said he wrapped a phone charger around her shoulders to pull her away, but the cord slipped up around her neck.

After Kuhnhausen’s death, Bogdanov dumped her body down the hillside of Larch Mountain, booked a one-way flight to Ukraine and called a friend to “get rid” of his car, according to trial testimony. He returned to the U.S. about six weeks later.

The prosecution argued throughout the trial that Bogdanov strangled Kuhnhausen because she was transgender. 

In explaining his sentencing decision, the Judge noted there was an element of predation in the case because Kuhnhausen was 17 and Bogdanov was 25 at the time. Bogdanov also admitted during the trial to giving Kuhnhausen alcohol.

The judge also pointed to testimony that Bogdanov dumped Kuhnhausen’s body, left the country and lied to police during the six months she was considered missing.

2f

Last reviewed June 2025

[offender42085]

Reblog with updated period image, minor change to content for clarity

r/84

[offender42085]

Post 0577

…they got into an argument over a piece of Thanksgiving turkey.

Benjamin Cayea, New York inmate 15B3590, born 1982, incarceration intake in 2015 at age 33, sentenced to life with possibility of parole; parole eligibility on 11/27/2036

Murder

In 23015, Prosecutors urged a Tompkins County judge to place the maximum 25 years to life in prison sentence on murder suspect Benjamin Cayea. The judge decided on a reduced sentence of 22 years to life, due in part to his lack of a prior criminal record.

“The one meaningful factor made by the defendant in my mind is that, on the night of the murder, he was cooperative with the police once his friend called them. And he admitted his crime,” Judge Joseph Cassidy said.

But the prosecution said Cayea not only killed Jones physically, but also assassinated her character. Cayea claimed in both the interview with police and on the witness stand that they got into an argument over a piece of Thanksgiving turkey. He said arugments of this nature between them were frequent.

“This is a domestic violence case, make no mistake about that, judge. This is the face of domestic violence at its worst,” Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bonavia said.

Cayea also spoke, accepting responsibility for his actions.

“Whenever I close my eyes, she’s there,” he said. “I will never stop thinkning about this. She will be on my mind until the day I die.”

Last reviewed September 2024

3y

[offender42085]

Post 0343

Joseph Michael McIntyre, Michigan inmate 823709, born 1986, incarceration intake in December 2011 at age 25, scheduled for earliest release October 2030 with full release October 2050

Arson, Home Invasion

They came out of the fires that destroyed their homes without physical injuries, but the victims of a serial arsonist say the injuries to their psyches and spirituality remain fresh and open.

A Kent County Circuit Court judge sentenced convicted serial arsonist Joseph McIntyre to 20 to 40 years in prison for a series of fires set in the summer of 2010 that terrorized neighborhoods in Southeast Grand Rapids and Kentwood.

A jury spent only about two hours deliberating before finding McIntyre guilty of eight counts of arson as well as three counts of home invasion.

Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Kellee Koncki said that McIntyre appears to be responsible for 11 or more fires.

“No one expects him to stop,” Koncki told Judge Donald Johnston. “No matter how long he is in prison, he’ll just be older, smarter and better able to get away with it.”

McIntyre had presented an insanity defense, but jury members said it was obvious that the arsonist was in control of starting and stopping his actions.

Koncki pointed out that McIntyre admitted he set fires in part to toy with investigators, the media and the public, and she says his claim of insanity was a ploy as well.

“He was playing the court as well,” she said.

Defense attorney David Dodge argued that his client has no prior criminal record and that no one died or needed serious medical treatment as a result of the fires.

But Johnston exceeded state guidelines in sentencing McIntyre saying it is clear that he needed to be imprisoned to keep the community safe and to show that his behavior cannot be justified.

“People in Kentwood and the Southeast side of Grand Rapids were sleeping with their windows open and forming citizens committees,” Johnston said.

McIntyre apologized to the victims and the community.

“I’m not a monster,” McIntyre said.

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Last reviewed August 2025

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