Man who admitted killing former landlady sentenced to life in prison

By Jaclyn Brandt

CREATED Mar. 21, 2012 - UPDATED: Mar. 21, 2012

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Theodore John Kestner, age 51 of Caldwell, was sentenced today for the felony crime of Murder in the First Degree.

Judge Wiebe, following the State’s sentencing recommendation, sentenced Kestner to fixed life consecutive to any other sentence. Defense attorney Lance Fuisting of Mimura Law recommended a sentence of 25 years fixed followed by life indeterminate.

“The Defendant should never be released or have the opportunity to be in our community,” said Bryan Taylor. “Consecutive life ensures he will never again be eligible for parole.”

The victim, Jennifer Kirkpatrick, opened her home to Kestner after he was paroled on his 2006 conviction. According to Kestner’s statements to law enforcement, he believed she was making statements which would send him back to prison. As a result, Kestner went to Kirkpatrick’s home in the early hours of September 1, 2011. After waiting for her son to leave for work, Kestner entered her home and brutally strangled her to death using zip-ties. Kestner then fled to Oregon, where he held an elderly couple hostage before being apprehended by law enforcement.

“This murder was premeditated, cold, calculated and motivated by Mr. Kestner’s irrational belief that the victim was single handedly sending him back to prison,” said Judge Wiebe during the sentence. “I do not find difficulty in determining what needs to happen in terms of protection of society. I fear for society. Therefore, I am sentencing you to fixed life with no possibility of parole.”
“Jennifer’s life mattered. She was a sister, daughter, and most importantly to her, a mother. She lived for her son,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Erica Kallin. “Jennifer’s life mattered and her death should have meaning as well. Consecutive life gives her death meaning.”