Latest news with #Kienlen
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
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 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
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.
