Daniel Kemple
KINGMAN – Their pets fought first before the scrap spread to their elderly owners, one of whom shot the other about six weeks ago at the dedicated dog park at Lewis Kingman Park off Andy Devine Ave., in Kingman. That is the factual basis for a plea agreement entered June 12 in Mohave County Superior Court.
Daniel Kemple, 75, will be convicted of aggravated assault in the plea deal that dismisses other attempted murder, assault and disorderly conduct charges. Deputy Mohave County Attorney Jeff Haws said Kemple and his 82-year-old victim became engaged after their dogs “started to fight or play roughly” at about 10:30 a.m. on May 1.
Haws told Judge Billy Sipe that the men’s verbal argument escalated into a shoving match before Kemple went to the ground. Consistent with Kingman police reports, Haws said Kemple fired from the ground, shooting the other man in the back as he walked away.
The victim was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound at Kingman Regional Medical Center. Terms of the plea agreement that was accepted and entered of record afford Judge Sipe broad discretion in punishment.
Sipe can impose as little as probation, with or without jail time, up to 8.75 years in prison at a July 15 sentencing hearing.
Dave Hawkins
