Honk News (Sutter County, CA) – A man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after a California judge found him guilty of brutally assaulting his grandmother and subsequently attempting to conceal his actions by placing her lifeless body in a bathtub.
Kenneth Lewis entered a no-contest plea regarding the first-degree murder of 80-year-old Violet MacGregor. On January 21, 2024, authorities discovered MacGregor’s lifeless body in the bathtub of her residence in Forbestown, located approximately 80 miles northeast of Sacramento, as reported by the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities took Lewis into custody after he confessed to the tragic act of taking his grandmother’s life at their residence. His hands and knuckles were swollen, and he sustained injuries to his feet. During an interview after being read his rights, he admitted to taking MacGregor’s life by striking her with punches and kicks while she lay on the floor of her bedroom. The examination revealed that the individual died from blunt force trauma affecting the head and neck. Authorities reported that she suffered a fractured neck and broken ribs.
The atmosphere was filled with chaos. Stains were found on the bed, the carpet beside it, as well as on the walls and furniture in the bedroom.
After finishing, he dragged his grandmother, who was still “breathing heavily” in the bathtub, according to prosecutors. He informed the investigators that he had gone to bed and, upon waking the following morning, discovered MacGregor deceased. However, the evidence indicated that he had been attempting to tidy up the area all night before he contacted emergency services the following morning after the loss of his grandmother. Authorities discovered bloodied paper towels and cleaning wipes scattered across various areas of the residence, notably in the bathroom, laundry room, and second bedroom.
Prosecutors reported that during his sentencing, Lewis expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the lasting shame he has inflicted on himself and his family.
The prosecution sought the harshest sentence of 25 years to life, emphasizing the heinous nature of the murder and the victim’s vulnerability, having recently endured a stroke just days prior to the incident.