In the quiet town of Fremont, Nebraska, the life of 19-year-old Kevin Kennebeck, a White male, was tragically cut short on the evening of January 25, 2015. Emergency services were called to an apartment near East 23rd Street and Buckingham Road for what was initially reported as a head injury. Upon their arrival, they discovered a much more dire situation; Kennebeck had sustained a critical gunshot wound.
He was rushed to Fremont Health Medical Center, but his injury proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead.
The person responsible for the shooting was identified as Andrew Marty, Kennebeck s 18-year-old roommate and close friend. According to the arrest affidavit, Marty told authorities that the shooting was an accident. He claimed he was cleaning his. 223-caliber rifle when it discharged, striking Kennebeck. Marty was arrested at the scene and faced several serious charges, including felony manslaughter and use of a weapon to commit a felony. His bond was set at $250,000. Marty's attorney stated that his client was devastated by the loss of his best friend, reiterating that the incident was a tragic accident.
In May 2015, Andrew Marty appeared in Dodge County District Court and pleaded no contest to felony manslaughter and misdemeanor assault. This plea was part of an agreement with prosecutors, who in turn dismissed the other charges against him. The Dodge County Attorney noted that the shooting was not believed to be intentional. In July of that year, Marty was sentenced to approximately nine months in jail and 30 months of probation.
Kevin Kennebeck was remembered fondly by his family and friends as a caring and honorable young man who was always willing to help others. A 2013 graduate of Fremont High School, he was employed as a security guard at Hormel Foods. He had a passion for bowling and powerlifting and was known for his close relationship with his family. The profound loss was felt throughout the community, with hundreds gathering to attend his funeral.
