When the police asked Levin questions about his mothers whereabouts, his answers were evasive and contradictory. I remember walking into her room and choking her, he wrote in a statement. I cant explain why or what I was thinking. Kerry Levin, Des Plaines - architect license (001-010420) placed in refuse to renew status for being more than 30 days delinquent in the payment of child support. Aug 2022 - Present3 months. She didnt strangle herself by accident. Her work, through both direct representation and amicus curiae advocacy, addresses issues of structural inequality, racism, and explicit and implicit bias in the legal system. I also assist with teaching wind and string classes for three . Levin is being charged with first degree murder, third degree kidnapping, Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse and assault while participating in a felony. He has forgiven me and that is why I forgive you.. Judge Timothy Finn asked Levin if he would like to make a statement himself before sentencing. On several occasions, he had almost acted on his urges. His sentence was five years, but he was released after just over two. In 2009, he was caught hiding in the basement of a girl he intended to rape. "I had to have killed my mother. IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) A 21-year-old Iowa man accused of killing his mother and abducting a woman after being released from prison last week underwent treatment as a teenager because he fantasized about raping women and almost acted upon his urges several times, according to a Wisconsin prosecutor. Vega was then able to get out of the car when a local farmer approached them and helped her, thereby escaping the dangerous ordeal. - Managed the national Solar4Schools UK program ensuring the timely . Deputies found him hiding in a barn on the property. Since then, Iowa investigators have given no hint of a motive and refuse to release documents related to their investigation, even though the case has concluded. The statement by 21-year-old Kirk Levin, of Early, was presented to jurors in Webster County. Arraignment has been set for Curtis Allen Williams, charged with homicide by vehicle, driving while revoked and operating under the influence in rollover crash that killed his son. Then Vega, who was lying in the passenger seat, screamed that she had been kidnapped and needed help. There are 200+ professionals named "Jessica Frank", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Sac County Attorney Ben Smith said Marilyn Schmitt, whose son Kirk Riley Levin was arrested Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 in the alleged kidnapping of a 21-year-old female acquaintance, was found dead in an upstairs bedroom of her home. Levin was thereafter convicted of first-degree murder for his mothers death and the third-degree kidnapping of Jessica Vega, a woman he had previously met online. Levin was released from a Wisconsin prison just 36 hours before he killed his mother and kidnapped Vega. In my opinion, Marilyn died a hero, Heneman wrote in her letter. Likewise with the kidnapping of Jessica, that was also well-planned.. NEW HAMPTON A rural New Hampton man accused of a 2020 overdose death has been indicted on federal opioid charges. Levin is currently incarcerated in at the Iowa State Penitentiary, according to prison records. Finn briefly spoke directly to Vega, commending her on her strength. https://www2.heart.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app314a?idb=543169165&df_id=4365&FR_ID=6322&mfc_pref=T&PROXY_ID=22612067&PROXY_TYPE=20&4365.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=8E872B6D94EE9DAEFAF7765E3F92717E&s_subsrc=bfIphFbPfMsg&s_src=boundlessfundraising, Here is a list of the victims that lost their lives that fateful day on the West Gate Bridge, Royvin Barbuto (Boilermaker) Ross Bigmore (Carpenter) Amadeo Boscolo (Carpenter) Bernard Butters (Boilermaker), Cyril Carmichael (Ironworker) Peter Crossley (Engineer) Peter Dawson (Rigger) Abraham Eden (Rigger) Anthony Falzon (Carpenter), Esequiel Fernandez (Ironworker) Bernard Fitzsimmonds (Ironworker) Victor Gerada (Ironworker) John Grist (Boilermaker), William Harburn (Boilermaker) Jack Hindshaw (Engineer) Trevor Hunsdale (Fitter) John Little (Rigger) Charles Lund (Rigger), Peter McGuire (Rigger) Ian Miller (Engineer) Jeremiah Murphy (Rigger) Dennis OBrien (Rigger) Joseph Ozelis (First Aid), Frank Piermarini (Rigger) George Pram (Rigger) Lesley Scarlett (Ironworker) Christopher Stewart (Boilermaker), Alfonso Suarez (Boilermaker) William Tracy (Engineer) George Tsihilidis (Boilermaker) Edgar Upsdell (Ironworker), Robert West (Boilermaker) Robert Whelan (Boilermaker) Patrick Woods (Rigger) Barry Wright (Boilermaker). Marilyn would still be with us if you could have been locked up permanently, she wrote in her letter. You have permission to edit this article. You can cancel at any time. I had to have killed my mother. The Iowa State Medical Examiner's Office identified the remains to be those of Jonathan Esparza, missing since October. (CBS/AP) IOWA CITY, Iowa - An Iowa man was arrested Jan. 3 and charged with murdering his mother and kidnapping another woman within hours of . According to her testimony, Levin asked her for her assistance with his car, which he claimed had run out of gas. Then Erika covers the horrifying collapse of the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia. Levin claimed to have no recollection of committing the horrific crimes. Her body was found lying face down in her home. This wasnt a woman who slipped and fell down the steps and broke her neck, he said. Levin's trial began Tuesday, and included testimony from Vega and a law enforcement official who later found Schmitt's body. Levin is also accused of kidnapping a 21-year-old woman hours after the murder. While at Florida State, she was an on-air talent for the FSU Weather Show, where she also learned the basics of production. Levin had served 26 months of a 5-year prison term but that was enough to complete his sentence under an Iowa law that routinely cuts prison terms by more than half. Levin had brutally murdered his mother just two days after hed been released from prison after serving two years for burglary. Four people were taken to hospital following a car accident on Monday. (AP Photo/The Messenger, Hans Madsen). In this episode, Amber covers the survival story of Jessica Frank Vega. Please subscribe to keep reading. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. She said Levin refused to let her leave and she was afraid that he was going to rape her. Here, she came across another man named Kirk Levin, and the two became friends over online interactions. Later, the states Supreme Court denied reviewing Levins case based on the fact that Kirks statement about wanting a lawyer had not been sufficiently strong to compel officers to stop their interrogation. When asked if he planned on having sex with Jessica then, he said, I had her, if I wanted to, I probably would have.. WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been found guilty of a misdemeanor in a 2021 attack at a Waterloo casino that cost another man his eye. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. According to court records, Levin pleaded not guilty to both the murder and the abductions charges before his trial. Sandie Greco has worked in a mans world for more than 50 years. Unfortunately, her good intentions will soon come back to haunt her. In the 2009 case, prosecutors said Levin and two others fled from an Eau Claire, Wis., group home where they were living, stole a car and went on for joy ride past Madison. At one point, Vega actually persuaded Levin to drive her back to Storm Lake, but he drove into a ditch a short distance later, and the car got stuck in the snow. The first letter was written by Sandra Schmitts, Marilyn Schmitts mother. The farmer recalled how scared Jessica seemed to be. Then he went to the home of a woman he knew 15 miles away in Storm Lake, saying his car had broken down and he needed a ride. What did she ever do to you? Even though I have a reason to hate you, I dont, Vega told Levin. I hope as much as possible that you are able to put this incident behind you., Levin was then sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing Schmitt and 10 years for kidnapping Vega. I had to have killed my mother. Assistant Director, Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality. Levin then later said in the statement that he is the only person who could have killed his mother. In this episode, Amber covers the survival story of Jessica Frank Vega. The Webster County jury deliberated for about two hours before finding Kirk Levin, 21, of Early, guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his mother, Marilyn Schmitt, 45, the Messenger in . The judge said the sentence would give Levin a chance for treatment before you do something really serious where youd be locked up the rest of your life.. Schmitts body was found during the investigation into Vegas kidnapping. Jury finds Iowa man guilty of killing mother. Levins trial was moved to Webster County due to pretrial publicity. Jurors also found him guilty of third-degree kidnapping in the abduction of Jessica Vega, a woman he met online. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. UPDATE: Jury returns guilty verdict in Iowa slaying trial. You knew what you were doing. Dead Silent airs at 9/8c on Investigation Discovery. She went on to write that Schmitt cared about Levin and worked hard to try and help him. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jurors deliberated for about two hours. January 8, 2013 / 5:13 PM / CBS News. (JIM LLE / Sioux City Journal). He was also given a 10-year prison sentence for the abduction charges. View the profiles of professionals named "Jessica Frank" on LinkedIn. Sandra Schmitts letter also criticized the decision to release Levin from prison. Levin had just moved in with his mother after being released several hours earlier from prison, according to court records. Police say Kirk Levin, 21, murdered his mother, Marilyn Schmitt, in her Ira Avenue farmhouse in rural Early, Iowa, on Jan. 3, 2013. He also was found guilty of third-degree kidnapping in the case of Jessica Vega, a woman he met online. Judge Daniel Moeser sentenced Levin to 15 months in prison and 24 months supervision, telling Levin you clearly, clearly need mental health help.. Police say they led officers on a high-speed chase during which the car drove over spike strips and was eventually engulfed in flames. Next, he drove down Highway 20, towards Storm Lake, Jessicas residential location. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Jessica did not know that this friendship would soon become a toxic chapter in her life. In addition to sentencing, Finn also overruled a motion for a new trial that was filed by Levins attorney, Charles Kenville. At Levins sentencing Friday, Teresa Schilmoeller, a survivor of homicide advocate from Sioux City, read three victim impact statements written by members of Schmitts family. Director Jacob Vaughan Writer Sam Brotherton Stars Annabella Didion Paden Fallis Max Blackstone Kirk Levin was sentenced to life for the murder of his mother, Marilyn Schmitt, and the kidnap of Jessica Vega. Levins crimes didnt end there; the 21-year-old then proceeded to kidnap Jessica Vega, a woman he had met online. I'm a producer, videographer, and multimedia specialist with more than five years experience working in TV news, public affairs, social media, and mobile application development. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Check out the latest Wisconsin Law Journal monthly edition. Required fields are marked *. As a teenager, as per the prosecutors statements, Levin had been subjected to treatment owing to his fantasies about raping women. Sentencing is scheduled for July. At his trial, Jessica testified that she heard something in the early hours of the morning of January 3, which she assumed were twigs or trees hitting her windows. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Call or Email Jessica Frank for a free 15 minute consultation now - (518) 263-0014. Levin is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing his mother, Marilyn Schmitt, 45, last week in her rural Early, Iowa, home. McMinimee ruled that his Iowa term could start running when he was incarcerated in Wisconsin, where he served until November 2011 before being returned to Iowa. She didnt fall on a knife and cut herself by accident. Kirk Levin, 21, of Early, listens to testimony in Webster County District Court during his trial for first-degree murder, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. His main motive was robbery. Just because he killed her does not mean its murder in the first degree.. She said Levin showed up at her Storm Lake home and asked for help with his car, which he said ran out of gas. A judge set bond at $1 million after Sac County Attorney Ben Smith noted that Levin had been in prison or on parole since age 17 and was facing disturbing allegations. Levin is also accused of kidnapping a 21-year-old woman hours . Earlier that day, Levin had turned up at the home of Jessica Vega, in Storm Lake about 15 miles from Early, and asked her for help with his car, which he said had run out of gas. Copyright Messenger News | https://www.messengernews.net | 713 Central Ave., Fort Dodge, IA 50501 | 515-573-2141. Sentencing is scheduled for July 12 in Sac City, which is located about 45 miles west of Fort Dodge. Schramm testified that Vega had been lying down in the passenger seat before she began screaming that she had been kidnapped and needed help. Kirk Levin once told police that he had duct tape in his backpack because he was planning to use it to rape a girl, and was caught hiding in the basement of the home of another girl that hed targeted to rape, Dane County prosecutor Corey Stephan said at a hearing in 2009, according to a transcript. Police later found Schmitt's body lying face down in her home. (AP Photo/Sac County Sheriff's Office), Police say Kirk Levin, 21, murdered his mother, Marilyn Schmitt, in her Ira Avenue farmhouse in rural Early, Iowa, on Jan. 3, 2013. . Outside of forecasting for the Rio Grande Valley, Jessica enjoys visiting local coffee shops, exploring South Padre Island, and cheering on her Seminoles and the Carolina Panthers. Levin later took Vega to a barn, told her she was being kidnapped and tied her up. Metronet recently completed construction in the neighborhood around Crossroads Mall. EARLY, IA According to written statements, early on January 3rd 21-year-old Kirk Riley Levin showed up at Jessica Vega's apartment in Storm Lake asking for a ride back to Early, Iowa. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). An autopsy showed that she had died from multiple stab wounds. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Levin only got out of prison on Tuesday after serving more than two years for burglary. Floods are going to become more common, so its vital to learn how to prepare, no matter where you live. Please subscribe to keep reading. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Jessica took this opportunity to seek help from the farmer. She tried to help you become a better person and lead a good life.. Her brothers, Mike and Mark Schmitt, also co-wrote a brief statement. Solarcentury is one of the world's leading solar energy companies, specialising in solar panels & PV systems for homes, businesses and solar parks. Her statements indicated that Vega wanted Levin to hurry because she was starting an internship that day and needed to be home by 7:30 a.m. After agreeing, Vega drove Levin back to his mothers house, where Levin told her he was kidnapping her. Levin jogged away from the scene, but he was later taken into custody. According to a transcript of a hearing back in 2009, Levin had once admitted to the police that he carried duct tape in his bag as he had plans to rape a girl. Investigation Discovery unravels the strange murder of Marilyn Schmitt and the kidnapping of Jessica Vega, both committed by the same man, Kirk Levin. Jessica Levin is known for His Dark Materials (2019), Maniac (2018) and True Detective (2014). That is when she met Kirk Levin. Inmates earn the time off regardless of their circumstances unless an administrative law judge specifically adds time back in a formal disciplinary process. A criminal complaint alleges Levin stabbed Schmitt between 1:30 and 5:45 a.m. January 3, 2013. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Frank Kirk, Orland Park - physician and surgeon license (036-079537) and controlled substance license (336-042524) revoked and license fined $5,000 after he failed to respond . I had to have killed my mother. Later, Levin told her she was being kidnapped and tied her up. It was an intentional act, he said. I can't explain why or what I was thinking. The sheriffs deputies had checked in on Marilyn because they were investigating her son, Kirk Levin, for kidnapping a 21-year-old woman earlier that day. EARLY, Iowa --- Kirk Levin has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for killing his mother. But she eventually managed to tackle her fears and emerged stronger, contrary to the expectations of people around her. I think what the public needs more than anything is to have you on a period of supervision for quite awhile, as long as we can do it, so that someone is watching you, monitoring you and making sure you get the treatment you need, the evaluations you need and take the medicine you need, Moeser said. When his body was discovered days later in the family's septic tank, the mother was put on trial both by the court system, as well as. The written statement was presented in trial a day after Vega testified about her experience on Jan. 3. Rochester, New York, United States. She said that she spotted a human and heard something about a car and eventually recognized Levin. Jessica knew that Kirk had a troubled past, but she believed he was a good person who was trying to turn his life around. 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A medical examiner testified that her death was caused by choking, as well as sharp- and blunt-force injuries. Marilyn Schmitts sister, Molly Heneman, also wrote a letter that was read by Schilmoeller. Dylan Eason and Isaiah Churchwell were convicted of murdering Cynthia William "Patrick" Alexander remains in prison for murder. A Webster County jury on Thursday convicted 21-year-old Kirk Levin of first-degree murder in the death of his mother, Marilyn Schmitt. Family Medicine, Marshall County Professional Building. Found the resolution to each, I know who really killed Chanin, her husband did not, I have so many questions about this story. Feb 2010 - Jun 20105 months. Jessica Kirk is the newest member of the CBS 4 Valley Storm Team. It took a Fort Dodge jury just two hours to decide the fate of an Early man accused of killing his mother and kidnapping another woman. He admits to drugging a girl with Benadryl for the first time and then trying to drug her with alcohol a second time. However, it was a close call with a tornado while she was living in Virginia that sparked her lifelong curiosity of the atmosphere. Get Directions Three people, including a 6-year-old girl, were murdered inside their tent at Maquoketa State Park in July.