27-05-2025
LIVE BLOG: Closing arguments in Kienlen's trial
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story contains details from testimony referencing suicide and suicidal ideations that are graphic, and some readers may find them disturbing. Discretion is advised before reading. If you or someone you know might be struggling, call the National Suicide Hotline by dialing 988 or text 'HELLO' to 741741.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Wichita County prosecutors are set to rest and close their case after more rebuttal witnesses take the stand in the trial of a U.S. Army veteran accused of opening fire on multiple law enforcement officials in October 2021.
PREVIOUS STORY: Anthony Kienlen takes the stand in his own defense
Anthony Michael Kienlen, 38, of Wichita Falls, stands accused of attempted capital murder of a peace officer, the single charge he pleaded not guilty to on the first day of his trial on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He pleaded guilty to 16 counts of aggravated assault against a public servant pending against him when his indictment was read.
Testimony began on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the 78th District Court, with Judge Meredith Kennedy presiding, after a jury of 11 women and one man was seated on Tuesday, May 20.
A recap of previous testimony can be found below:
Day 1 — Testimony begins in trial of Anthony Kienlen for Turkey Ranch Road standoff
Day 2 — Body armor, weapons admitted, Wichita County Sheriff testifies
Day 3 — 911 call played, Anthony Kienlen takes the stand in his own defense
The Wichita County Courthouse was closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. Testimony resumed on Tuesday morning, May 27, with prosecutors calling the last of the state's rebuttal witnesses before closing arguments, which may come as early as Tuesday afternoon.
PREVIOUS STORY: Body armor, guns admitted, Wichita Co. Sheriff testifies
Joseph Vrecheck, Wichita County's Assistant District Attorney, and John Gillespie, Wichita County District Attorney, are prosecuting Kienlen's case. Dustin Nimz, a defense attorney based in Wichita Falls, is representing Kienlen during his trial.
If convicted, Kienlen faces up to life in prison. Before the trial began, he elected to have the jury assess his punishment if found guilty.10:40 a.m. — Judge Kennedy instructed the jury to find Kienlen guilty of counts 2 through 14, and 16 and 17 of the indictment, the counts of aggravated assault of a peace officer to which Kienlen pleaded guilty when his trial began.
9:39 a.m. — Ranger Kelly testified that the most dangerous situations for law enforcement are domestic disputes, because law enforcement officers have to insert themselves into the situation.
9:38 a.m. — Ranger Kelly testified that law enforcement was stationed away from the gate. He testified that he didn't drive his vehicle down to the gate because, inside his vehicle, he'd be a sitting target. He testified that the firearms Anthony Kienlen was wielding were 'much more powerful' than handguns.
9:35 a.m. — The jury returned to the courtroom. On the stand for the prosecution is Matt Kelly, a Texas Ranger who responded to the Kienlen residence on Oct. 13, 2021. John Gillespie, Wichita County District Attorney, questioned Ranger Kelly as a rebuttal 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
