Kenneth Leighty, an American prisoner convicted of murder, gained infamy following his confession to the killing of his daughter-in-law, Sherry Leighty, who vanished in 1999. As a result of his admission, Leighty was arraigned and detained without bond, awaiting further legal proceedings.

On June 16, 2023, reports emerged announcing Kenneth Leighty’s passing in Altoona, Pennsylvania. However, details regarding the precise cause of his demise remain undisclosed by the media. While his family and friends grieve his loss in private, conflicting reports have surfaced regarding his status, with some inmate rosters still listing him as incarcerated. This ambiguity surrounding his circumstances adds to his life-and-death intrigue.

Who Is Kenneth Leighty?

Kenneth Leighty, an American criminal, gained notoriety for the tragic murder of his daughter-in-law, Sherry Lightley, in 1999.  Despite the heinous nature of the crime, Leighty’s details remain largely undisclosed to the public. He did not have a Wikipedia page, and his family maintained a low profile, keeping their names and professions out of the media to protect their privacy. Furthermore, Leighty never discussed his siblings, suggesting he may have been an only child.

Born on June 5, 1947, Kenneth Leighty is 76 years old as of June 2023, with his zodiac sign being Gemini. Hailing from Pennsylvania, he is an American citizen and belongs to the white ethnicity. Leighty adheres to the Christian faith, reflecting his religious beliefs and values. Despite the lack of information about his family background, Leighty’s criminal actions have left a lasting impact on those involved in the case, with updates about his parole status shared on the Sherry Lieghty Memorial Page on Facebook, providing insight into the legal proceedings surrounding his incarceration.

Kenneth Leighty’s Biography

Kenneth Leighy Married

Kenneth Leighty was married to his late wife, Darlene Delfosse-Leighty, although he kept their relationship and wedding details private from the media. Unfortunately, Darlene passed away on March 12, 2017, at the age of 63, leaving behind Kenneth and their family. With an age gap of six years between them, Kenneth and Darlene shared a life together that included two sons, Erik and Aaron Leighty. Their family grew even further with the addition of ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, highlighting the depth of their familial bonds.

However, amidst their family life, tragedy struck when Kenneth was arrested and jailed without bond for the murder of his daughter-in-law, Sherry Leighty, who was married to his son, Aaron Leighty. The devastating events surrounding Sherry’s death cast a dark shadow over the Leighty family, underscoring the complexities and tragedies that can emerge within familial relationships.

Kenneth Leighty’s daughter-in-lawSherry Jean Leighty

Additionally, Sherry Jean Leighty, Kenneth Leighty’s daughter-in-law, was just 21 years old when she was last seen in October 1999. During that same month, Sherry and Kenneth’s son, Aaron, had completed their divorce proceedings, with Sherry’s father being granted custody of their three children. On the day Sherry went missing, Kenneth was the last person known to have seen her, as he dropped her off at her workplace.

How Did Sherry Leighty Die?

Sherry Jean Leighty, born in September 1976 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was a 23-year-old who adored animals and had a passion for country music. She completed her education at Altoona Area High School in 1995. At the time of her disappearance in late September 1999, Sherry was a mother of three children, aged 7, 3, and 1, from her marriage to Aaron Leighty. Despite their ongoing divorce proceedings, she continued to reside with her in-laws, with Aaron having full custody of their children.

Tragically, Sherry’s whereabouts remained unknown for many years until May 2013, when authorities searched a vast property in Warriors Mark Township, Pennsylvania. During the search, skeletal remains were discovered buried near a rock wall. Through DNA testing, these remains were confirmed to be Sherry’s. The investigation suggested that the perpetrator had relocated the decomposed remains to their final location. Further examination revealed evidence of blunt force trauma to the skull.

In December 2013, Kenneth Leighty, aged 66 at the time, entered a guilty plea to third-degree murder as part of a plea agreement. Previously, he had pleaded guilty to aggravated assault against police officers, resulting in a sentence of 3 to 23 months behind bars. For the charge of third-degree murder, Kenneth received a sentence of 7 to 14 years. The plea deal was necessitated by the lack of sufficient evidence to press charges without Sherry’s body. Kenneth remains incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution – Frackville in Pennsylvania, according to prison records.

Who Killed Sherry Leighty?

Sherry Jean Leighty, born in September 1976 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was a 23-year-old who cherished animals and country music. Graduating from Altoona Area High School in 1995, she was a mother of three children aged 7, 3, and 1 with Aaron Leighty. Amidst finalizing her divorce, Sherry resided with her in-laws as Aaron had full custody of their children.

Tragically, Sherry vanished towards the end of September 1999, her fate unknown for many years. In May 2013, authorities searched in Warriors Mark Township, Pennsylvania, unearthing skeletal remains along a rock wall. DNA testing confirmed them to be Sherry’s, showing signs of blunt-force trauma to the skull.

In December 2013, Kenneth, then 66, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in a plea deal, having previously admitted to assaulting police officers. His sentence included 7 to 14 years for murder, as without the body, evidence was lacking for formal charges. Presently, Kenneth remains incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution – Frackville in Pennsylvania.

Where is Kenneth Leighty Now?

In December 2013, at the age of 66, Kenneth entered a guilty plea to third-degree murder as part of a plea agreement. Before this, he had already pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault against police officers, resulting in a sentence of 3 to 23 months of imprisonment. Regarding the third-degree murder charge, Kenneth was sentenced to serve 7 to 14 years in prison. The prosecution opted for a plea deal primarily because there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against him without the discovery of the victim’s body. According to prison records, Kenneth is serving his sentence at the State Correctional Institution – Frackville in Pennsylvania.

FAQs:

What was Kenneth Leighty convicted of?

Kenneth Leighty was convicted of the murder of his daughter-in-law, Sherry Leighty, who went missing in 1999.

When did Kenneth Leighty pass away?

Kenneth Leighty’s passing was reported on June 16, 2023, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

What was Kenneth Leighty’s sentence for the murder of Sherry Leighty?

Kenneth Leighty pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in December 2013 and received a sentence of 7 to 14 years in prison.

Why was Kenneth Leighty’s plea deal necessary?

The plea deal was necessary because there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against Kenneth Leighty without the discovery of Sherry Leighty’s body.

Where is Kenneth Leighty currently incarcerated?

According to prison records, Kenneth Leighty is serving his sentence at the State Correctional Institution – Frackville in Pennsylvania.

Conclusion:

The case of Kenneth Leighty is one shrouded in tragedy and mystery, beginning with the disappearance of his daughter-in-law, Sherry Leighty, in 1999. After years of uncertainty, Kenneth’s confession and subsequent conviction shed light on the grim reality of the situation. Despite his passing in 2023, the questions surrounding the case continue to linger, with conflicting reports adding to the intrigue. However, one thing remains certain: the devastating impact of Sherry Leighty’s untimely demise on her family and loved ones serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and tragedies that can arise within familial relationships.

Stay in touch for more updates and alerts visits: Times Radar!