Houghton, MI – A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his grandfather, who was found shot in his home. Jacob Kempainen entered his plea this week in Houghton County court, resulting in the dismissal of an open murder charge along with conspiracy and firearm charges.
As part of the plea agreement, Kempainen is required to cooperate and testify against his mother, Margaret Kempainen, who is charged alongside him but has not been offered a plea deal. Local prosecutors indicated that they are focused on securing a conviction against her.
On December 7, Kempainen and his 50-year-old mother allegedly traveled from Wisconsin to Michigan for the purpose of visiting his grandfather. The victim’s son became concerned after noticing a debit card transaction made by the pair in Bruce Crossing, prompting fears that his father may have been in danger.
Just days later, Alvin Kempainen sent a message indicating he had just welcomed his family to his home but subsequently ceased all communication. On Tuesday, December 19, deputies from the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to conduct a wellness check at his residence, where they discovered he had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
First responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Jacob and Margaret Kempainen were apprehended by police after being located traveling south on Interstate 35 towards Iowa.
In an unusual twist, Jacob Kempainen reportedly claimed that malevolent spirits were responsible for his grandfather’s death, while his mother suggested that the victim was not her father-in-law.
Following Jacob’s plea, prosecutors emphasized the need for a conviction against Margaret Kempainen. Houghton County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Helmer remarked that a recent ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court limited prosecutorial leverage in plea negotiations due to Jacob’s age at the time of the murder.
Jacob Kempainen is scheduled for sentencing in the next three months, while Margaret Kempainen’s jury trial is set for next month.