It was a somber day in Kosciusko Circuit Court this morning at the sentencing of Kyle DeHart and Brandon Woody.
DeHart and Woody, both 24, were charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Joshua Knisely, 19, and Tara Thornburg, 23. They were sentenced separately.
Judge Mike Reed sentenced DeHart to 110 years to be served in the Indiana Department of Corrections. DeHart will serve 55 years for each murder charge, to be served consecutively. He was also sentenced to one year, concurrent, on the obstruction of justice charge. Judge Reed noted DeHart will be given credit for the 614 days already served.
Judge Reed sentenced Woody to 60 years on each murder charge, to be served consecutively. The recommended term is 55 years for each charge, however Woody was labeled a very high risk to re-offended and due to the nature of the crime his sentenced was enhanced. Woody will also be given credit for the 615 days he has already served.
Cheers and applause came from the near 60 people in the courtroom once the sentencing was read.
Rhonda Bickel, Knisely’s mother, read a heart-felt letter at each sentencing highlighting her son’s positive attitude, love towards others and his devotion to God.
“Josh was a wonderful son who loved people, he did not have a selfish bone in his body,” Bickel read.
Both DeHart and Woody intend to appeal their case. Public defenders will be appointed for both men for their appeal, as neither have any source of income or money in the bank.
Judge Reed gave both men a chance to speak at their sentencing, DeHart remained silent. Woody did address the court, “No matter what anyone says, I am definitely innocent and did not commit this crime.”
