15-year-old girl died after her father, who had been arrested multiple times over the last 20 years, shot her with a shotgun in the chest and then claimed his developmentally disabled stepson did it
Ohio – In a harrowing case in Ohio, a 39-year-old man, identified as Kenneth F., who shot his 15-year-old daughter, identified as Kendra F., with a shotgun in the chest and then claimed his developmentally disabled stepson did it, has pleaded guilty to a series of charges related to the incident that left his teenage daughter dead inside their home.
Kenneth faced a slew of serious charges following the April 14, 2024, shooting, which stunned the local community. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, endangering children, and various firearm-related offenses, which were made even more severe due to his prior felony convictions. His sentencing is scheduled for May 14, when a judge will decide how long he will spend behind bars for the deadly crime.
The case drew national attention not only for the heartbreaking loss of a young life but also for Kenneth’s shocking attempt to avoid responsibility. According to authorities, the father initially tried to claim that his nonverbal stepson had fired the fatal shot, a claim that was quickly disproven through the investigation. The violent incident unfolded at the family’s apartment. Police responded that afternoon after receiving a 911 call from Kenneth himself. When officers and paramedics arrived, they discovered Kendra suffering from a fatal shotgun wound to the chest. Tragically, despite their efforts, Kendra could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
During his desperate 911 call, Kenneth allegedly told dispatchers, “My stepson, he’s autistic, he had no, it was an accident ma’am,” attempting to shift the blame. He continued, “He’s autistic,” adding that the boy had no idea what he was doing. However, investigators quickly determined that Kenneth’s version of events was false. Police Major B. Johns later told reporters that evidence revealed Kendra had pleaded with her father moments before her death. “Our victim was asking him to not point the shotgun at her prior to her death. That’s not an accident,” Johns stated firmly. He confirmed that police believe the shooting was intentional and not a tragic mishap as Kenneth claimed.
Neighbors and witnesses described the terror and confusion that followed the gunfire. One bystander, speaking to 911 dispatchers, said he was sitting in his car when he heard the gunshot and frantic screams. “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,” he heard someone say. Another neighbor, N. Ledbetter, recalled seeing Kendra’s grandmother shortly after the shooting and learning the devastating news. “She says my granddaughter was shot,” Ledbetter told reporters. Following the incident, Kenneth was quickly indicted by the Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor M. Heck underscored Kenneth’s violent and criminal past, noting that he had been convicted of trafficking cocaine just weeks before the shooting. “He has been arrested approximately 40 times over the past 20 years,” Heck said. “This defendant should never be allowed anywhere near a firearm and deserves to be in prison.”
As the legal process nears its conclusion, Kendra’s family continues to mourn her senseless loss. Described in her obituary as “our shining little star,” Kendra was remembered for her vibrant spirit and kindness. “Kendra was the heart and soul of our family, embodying a spirit full of joy, curiosity, and creativity,” her family wrote. “Her laughter was infectious, her energy boundless, and her kindness a beacon of warmth to everyone around her.” With sentencing approaching, Kenneth faces the consequences of his actions, while Kendra’s family and community are left with the pain of losing a young life far too soon.
