Woodbury, NJ – A life sentence for Kenneth Houseknecht, who was convicted in the 1988 murder of 12-year-old Kim Anderson, was reaffirmed by the Honorable Kevin T. Smith today, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns announced.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court: On April 19, 1988, 14-year-old Houseknecht broke into the Anderson home, where Kim was home alone getting ready for school, with the intention of stealing money. During the incident, Houseknecht brutally attacked the victim, beating and repeatedly stabbing her, resulting in her death.
Houseknecht was charged with murder and was tried as an adult. He was found guilty and, on Sept. 17, 1991, was sentenced to life in prison with 30 years of parole ineligibility.
Houseknecht later applied for resentencing pursuant to State v. Comer, which permits juveniles serving lengthy prison sentences to seek review after 20 years of incarceration.
The court considered testimony from forensic psychological experts for both the State and Defense, as well as statements from the defendant, his family, and the victim’s family.
After considering the evidence and arguments presented by both parties, Judge Smith affirmed the earlier sentence.
The County of Gloucester complies with all state and federal rules and regulations against discrimination in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, and activities. In addition, County encourages participation of people with disabilities in its programs and activities and offers special services to all residents 60 years of age and older. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the County’s ADA Coordinator at (856) 384-6842/ New Jersey Relay Service 711.
“This case involved an extraordinarily violent and senseless crime that devastated a family and community,” Prosecutor Johns said. “We appreciate the court’s careful consideration of all the evidence and testimony presented during the resentencing proceedings and its decision to affirm that the original sentence remains appropriate.”