Wichita County District Attorney responds to Anthony Kienlen's sentence
WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — Wichita County's District Attorney issued a statement following the sentencing of a U.S. Army veteran convicted of 16 first-degree felonies after opening fire on law enforcement officers outside his home on October 13, 2021.
Anthony Michael Kienlen, 38, of Wichita Falls, was found guilty by a Wichita County jury of attempted capital murder of a peace officer on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Kienlen also pleaded guilty to 15 counts of aggravated assault on a public servant pending against him.
PREVIOUS STORY: Jury returns punishment for Anthony Kienlen
On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the jury sentenced Kienlen to 30 years for attempted capital murder of a peace officer and 10 years for each of the 15 counts of aggravated assault on a public servant.
John Gillespie, Wichita County District Attorney, who represented the prosecution during Kienlen's trial, issued a statement on Thursday evening following the jury's verdict on punishment.
'There are no winners in this case,' Gillespie said. 'I deeply appreciate the jurors for their verdict. Their sentence was significant and appropriate for attempting to murder a police officer in our community.'
During closing arguments on Thursday morning, Gillespie said that a person shouldn't be given a minimum sentence for committing 16 first-degree felonies, arguing that Kienlen's actions didn't warrant a minimum sentence or a probation sentence.
'Opening fire on first responders in a Wichita County neighborhood with an AK-47 assault weapon can never be justified,' Gillespie said., 'His actions required consequences.'
PREVIOUS STORY: Jury reaches verdict in Anthony Kienlen's trial
Gillespie's full statement can be found below:
'There are no winners in this case. I deeply appreciate the jurors for their verdict. Their sentence was significant and appropriate for attempting to murder a police officer in our community. The defendant, as part of his homicidal rampage, fired a bullet that went a long way down the road and passed into a little girl's bedroom. She thankfully was not there, but could have been killed. Opening fire on first responders in a Wichita County neighborhood with an AK-47 assault weapon can never be justified.
'His actions required consequences. Also, the defense psychologist admitted the defendant was sane, not suffering from diminished capacity, and legally responsible for his lethal actions that day.
'I respect the work the jurors did in protecting the lives of first responders in our community. Their verdict was thoughtful and appropriate.'
— John Gillespie, Wichita County District Attorney
Gillespie said during closing arguments that the sentences will run concurrently by law, meaning all 16 will be served simultaneously.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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