WICHITA, KS – A Wichita man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for the brutal killing of his mother, a case that stunned the community with its graphic details and chilling use of social media.

Devin Joel, 24, will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years, following convictions for first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated robbery in the death of 46-year-old Kacy Joel. Authorities said the attack occurred on May 30, 2023, and involved Devin Joel beating his mother with a landscaping brick at her home.

Court records reveal that Joel not only called police to report his attack in progress, but also documented the aftermath using Snapchat and FaceTime, even showing his mother’s battered body to his sister during a video call. Prosecutors said he told dispatchers, “Mom, stay down,” as she pleaded for help in the background.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Kacy Joel in the backyard, lying in a pool of blood on a concrete patio. Investigators found evidence, including a broken landscaping brick, bloodstains, and physical remains, such as a portion of skull and two teeth, at the scene. Medical personnel made attempts to revive her, but Kacy Joel succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

After fleeing the scene, Joel entered a nearby home, startling residents with his blood-covered appearance and a knife in his hand. He reportedly admitted to a neighbor, “I’m a killer,” before continuing to a local business, then fleeing again. Police apprehended Joel a short time later, noting that he remained calm and even smiled while discussing the attack.

In court, Joel’s sister described the anguish left behind, recalling how her brother called her after the murder to show the gruesome aftermath via FaceTime. She told the court she could not stop thinking about the terror and heartbreak their mother must have experienced in her final moments.

Throughout the investigation, family members disclosed that Joel had exhibited alarming behaviors leading up to the killing, including angry hallucinations and erratic actions. Despite those reported issues, he was found competent to participate in court proceedings and admitted responsibility for the crime last year.

Authorities also found selfie videos that Joel had taken showing him spattered in blood, with no audio but a chilling presence, according to court documents. The videos were shared on his mother’s social media accounts, further emphasizing the disturbing nature of the case.

During sentencing, the court heard about the lasting trauma inflicted on the surviving family members. The sentence handed down ensures that Joel will spend at least a quarter-century behind bars before he is eligible for parole.

The case has drawn widespread community attention in Wichita, highlighting ongoing concerns around domestic violence and mental illness. Police say their investigation was aided by the digital trails left on various social media platforms, which contributed significant evidence regarding the timeline and nature of the crime.

As the legal process concludes, the family and community continue to grapple with the loss and the circumstances that led to such a violent tragedy.