Daniel Kemple
KINGMAN – The Kingman man who shot another local resident at a local dog park shifted his story toward the end of his July 15 sentencing hearing. His attorney Bob Heieck offered self defense elements as explanation for the May 1 encounter between his client Daniel Kemple, 75, and the 82-year-old victim.
Kemple pleaded guilty to an aggravated assault charge to resolve his case short of trial. It has not been disputed that the men’s dogs scrapped before they argued and shoved one another at the dedicated dog park at Lewis Kingman Park off Andy Devine Ave.
Prosecutor Jeff Haws said witnesses would testify that the victim was retreating from the skirmish when Kemple fired upon him from the ground.
“It is clear that the defendant shot the victim in the back,” Haws said. `”That is not self defense.”
Judge Billy Sipe also said a self defense claim is not valid, considering the victim was unarmed and that Kemple pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.
After Judge Sipe ordered a five-year prison sentence, Kemple offered another story version. He told the Court that it was an accidental shooting and that his gun discharged as he fell to the ground when shoved.
The victim told Judge Sipe he thinks the shooting will shave a couple years off of his lifespan. He said he now fatigues more easily and that being shot makes him view the world as a more dangerous place.
Dave Hawkins
