In the quiet of a Hancock Township home, the life of 87-year-old Alvin C.A. Kempainen came to a tragic and unexpected end in December 2023. A resident of Salo Location, Mr. Kempainen was found deceased in his home on December 19, 2023, the victim of a gunshot wound to the head. His death, initially deemed suspicious, would soon unravel a grim family saga.
Concern for Mr. Kempainen's welfare arose after his son, Alan, grew fearful for his father's safety.
Alan had received notifications of debit card use that led him to believe his own wife, Margaret Kempainen, 51, and their son, Jacob Kempainen, 21, were heading to Alvin's home to get money. Alan's apprehension prompted him to text his father, who confirmed their arrival with a message that read, 'the crew has arrived Will see what happens.' It was the last communication Alan would have with his father. When subsequent texts went unanswered, authorities were alerted.
The investigation quickly zeroed in on Margaret and Jacob Kempainen. The mother and son, residents of Hartland, Wisconsin, were located and apprehended in Clear Lake, Iowa, the following evening after a debit card transaction at a Kwik Trip. Along with a juvenile female who was with them, they were taken into custody.
Subsequent interviews with investigators brought forth disturbing details. Margaret Kempainen reportedly identified her son, Jacob, as the shooter. She claimed that after Jacob shot his grandfather in the head, she instructed him to shoot again when Alvin attempted to get up. The motive appeared to be financial, as Alan had feared. The defendants' accounts also included bizarre elements of witchcraft and communications with spirits.
Margaret and Jacob Kempainen were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Jacob Kempainen faces an additional charge of felony firearms. At a pretrial conference, trial dates were scheduled, with Margaret Kempainen's trial anticipated in November and Jacob Kempainen's in late January of the next year.
