Zackary Kempke, 14, of North Ogden, was riding with his father, mother and a young girl on a dirt road in a remote area of the Monte Cristo range about 3 p.m. when Zackary, who was in the back seat, was shot in the head, police said. (Family photo)
SALT LAKE CITY — A target shooter who accidentally shot and killed a 14-year-old boy will be required to teach others about gun safety.
Zackary Kempke was out for a Sunday drive with his family when a bullet traveled several hundred feet to the road, killing him. His family asked for jail time for Kayleen Richins, the 40-year-old woman who was target shooting. Instead, a judge sentenced her to teach others about gun safety in the wake of that accidental shooting.
Prosecutors say Richins shows guilt and remorse for what happened, and physically shakes when talking about it. She cried at the sentencing hearing.
The education Richins will provide is about making sure shooters always know their backstop – and must not shoot unless they know where the bullet is going. Richins will spend hundreds of hours creating a hunter safety video and will also speak at youth hunter safety trainings.
She pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in Kempke’s death. As long as she complies with the order to provide gun safety education, she will avoid jail time. She was also barred from carrying a gun during her two years’ probation period, and was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.