DAYTON, IOWA – The family of 15-year-old Kathlynn Shepard, who was allegedly murdered by a sex offender, released a statement to the Dayton Leader newspaper today.
Michael Klunder, the suspect, killed himself on May 22nd after the search for Kathlynn had begun. Klunder had been in prison but was released early.
The statement from Michael Shepard reads:
“Today our family has lost part of its soul. Not just the Shepard family, but the families of Dayton and all of Iowa.
An innocent, caring, fun-loving child was taken from this world long before her time. Kathlynn has been found and is now at peace beside her Grandmother and Grandfather. She is in a place where there is no pain or violence. She is safe from the predators of this world, where no one can prey on her innocence. Our daughter was torn from our family and murdered.
Due to the current laws of this state, a repeat offender was given the opportunity to attack again. Kathlynn will not be the last if something is not done. Our daughter is gone, but we have SO many more children we feel the need to protect. The children of Iowa are OUR CHILDREN. They are Kathlynn’s brothers and sisters.
We know in our hearts that Kathlynn would want us to be sure no child will have to endure what she went through. We will FIGHT to change the current sexual assault policies so there are mandatory sentences for the FIRST offense, to ensure that no offender can plea bargain to get a lessor sentence, NO earned time for “GOOD” behavior, and parolees will adhere to strict monitoring guidelines. This law is intended to protect EVERYONE in Iowa.
The people of Iowa deserve no less.”
I think most of us have had enough political correctness when it comes to criminals’ rights. It’s time the judges and the legislature hear our outcry and change bail and sentencing laws on these perverts.
I have had it with these sexual predators being released early. There’s no cure for this! When will the courts finally realize this?
I think we’d better brace ourselves, because people will start taking the law in their own hands. And can you blame them? I wish someone would have taken this guy (I refuse to type his name)out when he was in Mason City years ago.
I am sorry for the lose of your baby girl. I hope through the coming days you will feel Gods comfort. I to believe something needs to be done to change the laws.