DAYTON, OH – A father from Ohio has confessed to fatally shooting his teenage daughter, a crime he initially tried to shift onto his nonverbal stepson with autism. Kenneth Paul Farler III, 39, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. His sentence is scheduled for May 14.

The tragedy occurred on April 14, 2024, at an apartment on Bowen Street in Dayton. Police responding to the scene discovered 15-year-old Kendra Farler with a shotgun wound to her chest. Farler initially alleged in a 911 call that the shooting was an accident caused by his stepson, who is autistic.

According to police, Farler insisted during the call that his stepson had no understanding of what he was doing, describing the incident as accidental.

However, the narrative unraveled as investigators gathered evidence. Dayton police determined through thorough inquiries that the claims were unsubstantiated. Major Brian Johns stated, “The father was responsible for the tragic incident,” emphasizing that it was not accidental. Investigators revealed that Kendra had pleaded with her father not to point the shotgun at her before she was killed.

Eyewitnesses provided additional testimony. A passerby reported hearing a gunshot followed by anguished cries of “Oh my God.” Another neighbor, Nancy Ledbetter, reported speaking to someone at the scene who confirmed the shooting.

Farler’s indictment by the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office followed about a week after the shooting. Mat Heck, a prosecuting attorney, highlighted Farler’s prior criminal history, including a recent cocaine trafficking conviction and approximately 40 arrests over two decades. Heck stressed the importance of preventing Farler from accessing firearms in the future.

The loss of Kendra, who was remembered fondly by her family, resonated deeply in the community. Described in her obituary as a “shining little star,” she was known for her joyful spirit and love for learning.

This tragic event underscores the devastation wrought by gun violence and the critical importance of responsible firearm ownership, particularly by individuals with prior felony convictions. The Dayton community now grapples with the loss of a young life brimming with promise.