Kendra Keppler, a 27-year-old woman from Abilene, Texas, tragically passed away on May 18, 2016. She was a mother of six children and was well-liked in her community. Kendra was born on August 10, 1988, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Urie and Debbie Keppler. After graduating from Abilene public schools in 2005, she worked at several local restaurants over the years.
Kendra was known for her kind and helpful nature, always ready to assist anyone in need.
The investigation into Kendra's death revealed that Charles Newman, a 36-year-old man, was formally charged with her murder. Kendra was found in her home on Whittier Street in south Abilene, with a gunshot wound to her head. Newman was arrested after police discovered that he had used Kendra's identification information to withdraw $200 from her bank account and was in possession of her vehicle. He admitted to being in Kendra's house on the day of her death and seeing her body but did not report it to the authorities.
Newman's wife, Rachell Newman, initially told police that her husband had killed Kendra, but later recanted her statement, claiming that he did not commit the murder. Despite her defense, Charles Newman was indicted on charges of murder and tampering with evidence. He was held on a $500,000 bond and awaited trial. In 2018, Newman was found guilty of murder and tampering with evidence and was sentenced to life in prison.
The case drew significant attention in Abilene, with many in the community mourning the loss of Kendra Keppler and seeking justice for her death. The trial and subsequent conviction of Charles Newman brought some closure to her family and friends, although the pain of losing Kendra remains deeply felt.
