A couple from Washington has confessed to the murder of a teenager and to making false allegations that the victim had trafficked their daughter. They are anticipated to face comparatively lenient sentences following their guilty pleas.
In a previous report, it was noted that John Eisenman, 63, faced arrest in November 2021 in connection with the murder of a 19-year-old man from 2020, whose remains were reportedly found in a vehicle after being there for approximately a year. During his arrest, Eisenman informed the authorities that the victim, whose identity the family wishes to keep confidential, had trafficked his daughter to a sex trafficking operation based in Seattle.
In a court appearance on Thursday, Eisenman admitted to first-degree murder, while Kross accepted a plea for manslaughter, according to KREM. Her admission of guilt recognized the absence of any proof regarding sex trafficking.
When Eisenman was taken into custody, authorities in Spokane reported that he had discovered the victim’s whereabouts in Airway Heights, a city situated under 10 miles west of Spokane, and chose to confront him upon his arrival.
“During that encounter Eisenman abducted the victim, tying him up and placing him in the trunk of a vehicle,” police said in a statement. “Eisenman subsequently assaulted the victim by hitting him in the head with a cinder block and then stabbed him repeatedly, causing his death.”
The remains of the victim were discovered in the trunk of the vehicle, which had been abandoned in that spot for nearly a year. According to police, the relocation occurred in October 2021 to Hillyard, situated in the northeast part of Spokane.
A chance discovery led to the finding of the body.
“[I]ndividuals were rummaging through the car and taking items when they made the gruesome discovery,” police said.
The vehicle was ultimately linked to Eisenman, resulting in his arrest, according to a report from local CBS affiliate KREM.
Brenda Kross, 57, the fiancée of Eisenman, was taken into custody in 2022 and faced charges related to the homicide. KREM reports that Kross confided in a colleague about her involvement in the teen’s death.
According to court records, Eisenman and Brooks are set to receive their sentences on January 16. It has been reported that prosecutors are inclined to pursue lenient sentences for both individuals. Sources indicate that they will suggest a 22-year sentence for Eisenman, while recommending eight years in prison along with three years of community service for Kross.